Daniel Lewis, a 44-year-old man, has been charged with six counts of wilfully assaulting a child and two counts of wilfully ill-treating a child at Oxford Crown Court. The allegations against Lewis include smothering the child with a pillow, shoving him, digging his knuckles into the boy’s legs, slapping him, and holding him by the neck. He is also accused of cutting himself in front of the child. Despite these serious charges, Lewis has denied the offences and currently stands trial.
Miranda Day Testifies Against Lewis
On May 14, Miranda Day testified for the prosecution, recounting a damning admission allegedly made by Lewis. Day stated that her first encounter with Lewis occurred during a course focused on improving adult-child relations at a local youth centre.
In her testimony, Day alleged that Lewis confessed to physically assaulting the boy involved in the trial. Day told jurors, “He said he had grabbed [the boy] around the neck… [because he was] swearing. He said it was a mistake and he was trying to make it better.”
Cross-Examination Questions Day’s Motives
During cross-examination, the defence barrister questioned Day’s credibility and suggested her testimony was influenced by motives of retribution. The suggestion arose after it was revealed that Day had recently come forward with this information following a report on the trial. Prior to her testimony, she contacted the mother of the alleged victim and the police with claims of having relevant information.
The defence barrister challenged Day, asking, “This is the first time you had told police about this conversation with Mr Lewis where he admitted to grabbing [the boy] by the throat, but police spoke to you in June 2022… Why didn’t you mention that then?”
Day simply confirmed, “No, I didn’t.”
The barrister then suggested, “I’m going to suggest it’s because he never had that conversation with you. When you read that article last Friday, did you see the perfect chance to get back at [Lewis]?”
Day firmly denied this, replying, “Absolutely not.”
Prior Victim Testimony Paints Grim Picture
During earlier sessions, the alleged victim gave personal testimony, describing the accused as the “most manipulative, horrible person.” He stated, “He was cruel. He was very clever and manipulative and knew what he was doing. He would do anything to provoke me; he loved it.”
As the trial progresses, Lewis’s defence team is expected to present their case this week.
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