Man sentenced to life for '˜brutal' Hull rape

Hull Crown Court where Lowther was sentenced.

Alec Lowther, 21, of no fixed abode, will serve a minimum of six years behind bars after being sentenced at Hull Crown Court yesterday following his guilty pleas to rape, robbery and assault at an earlier hearing, in December.

Lowther admitted to having attacked the 47-year-old woman in Bankside, Hull last September in which his victim suffered serious injuries. She was rendered unconscious during the attack, which has had a lasting, detrimental effect on her health and well-being.

In passing sentence, the judge declared Lowther to be a “danger to the public” who should only be considered for release when he is “no longer considered a threat”.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Cockerill who led the investigation said: “We welcome the sentence passed today and acknowledge the judge’s recommendations. Lowther will now spend a considerable time in custody for the sustained and brutal attack on an innocent victim who was making her daily journey to work – he has changed her life irreversibly for which he is now rightly brought to justice.

“We also commend the bravery of the victim in coming forward. This lady came to police in an understandably traumatised state. She placed her trust in us to catch her attacker, not only for herself, but to make sure he would not subject anyone else to a similar violent and humiliating ordeal.

“My team worked tirelessly to detect Lowther and he was successfully detained and charged within a short period of time. My thanks are extended to them too.

“Whilst incidents of this nature are shocking and have long–lasting consequences they thankfully remain rare. For the victim; I hope she will now be able to try to move on with her life. I hope also that she and the wider public are reassured by today’s outcome to this case.

“Finally I would like to reiterate that anyone reporting a sexual offence to us will be believed, they will be supported and can be assured of a thorough and sensitive investigation undertaken by a specialised and dedicated team.”