Who is Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan? Why is his trial a "wake-up" call for others?

Judge tells nasty rapist who met his victims on dating apps that his conviction should serve as a "wake-up" call for others. Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan, 28, lured the victims after they "swiped right." In 2020, he made an attempt to rape a teenage girl. Months later, he met another woman and raped her two times. And after being found guilty of two counts of rape and one attempt at rape, he was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison last week on Thursday. Additionally, he struck up conversations with women, the court heard, and went to meet them from his home in Milton Keynes, Bucks. Judge Rupert Mayo gave him a harsh sentence at Northampton Crown Court, and stated, "I hope this trial has been a wake-up call for you and all people who decide to use hook-up apps to meet people because the extent of your evidence was that, if someone swipes right and you have a match, then you have the green light to have sex with them." "That is not right because, at any stage, anyone can withdraw consent and you have to be sure that - when you do attempt to have sex with them - you have their consent. It is quite simple.” Also read: Jared Leisek, founder of Adventures with Purpose, arrested for allegedly raping a minor in 1992 [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image credit: Northampton Chronicle and Echo[/caption]

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The victim Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan raped reportedly cracked a rib during the assault and has been experiencing mental breakdowns ever since. According to prosecutor Ben Gow, "She went from being an outgoing, confident young woman to doubting herself all the time and overthinking every decision she has to make." "You thought it was okay to violate me, violate my body and affect my life with complete disregard for my choice," his adolescent victim stated in a victim impact statement. She continued by saying that ever since he attempted to rape her, she had experienced emotional distress and worry. Furthermore, in her impact statement, she said to Vanmeer-Sheridan, "I am no longer a normal teenager and this is because of you." On the other hand, in his defense, Pree Brada stated that Vanmeer-Sheridan looks after his mother, who has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. She continued that he has been detained in custody since his arrest in January 2021. "His behavior has been good, if not, excellent in prison," she said. Lastly, Vanmeer-Sheridan received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a permanent listing on the  Sex Offenders Register.