British tourist, 30, arrested over rape of girl, 6, while visiting Thai girlfriend in Thailand's 'Sin City' resort Pattaya
A British tourist has been arrested over the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl in Thailand while visiting his Thai girlfriend
Luke Adam Lawrence, The 30-year-old from Leeds was identified by sleuths at the National Crime Agency (NCA) in London over an alleged video of the schoolgirl being abused. Officers worked with local police and tracked the Brit down.
Police stormed the suspect's rented home at the Private Paradise Pattaya condominium block in the "Sin City" resort of Pattaya where he was living with a Thai girlfriend.
The Brit was formally arrested over the alleged rape of the young girl, who he is said to have known through a friend.
The NCA launched their investigation after tracing alleged child abuse content to Lawrence's phone, which included footage reportedly showing him assaulting a young south east Asian girl.
British investigators worked closely with Bangkok's Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division to locate the suspect.
Thai authorities analysed the video evidence and compared it with various locations in Pattaya, alongside social media posts, to track down Lawrence.
Police believe Lawrence had connections to the victim's mother, and the alleged assault occurred when the girl was six-years-old.
The investigation culminated in an arrest warrant being issued for "raping a minor under the age of 13".
During the arrest, footage showed Lawrence emerging shirtless from his bedroom, followed by his partner wearing a silk nightie.
A translator present at the scene read out the charges, ordering Lawrence to kneel and confirm his identity.
Lawrence responded with "what, woah, wow" as the charges were detailed.
The translator explained the severity of the accusations, stating: "According to the illegal conduct you have done, there has been a charge of rape, statutory rape, of another individual, by force, by threat."
The charges specifically noted the offence was against "a minor under the age of 13 years old, which is not your wife, not your legal wife."
The translator further emphasised that regardless of consent, the charges stood due to the victim's age and inability to resist.
Lawrence was then formally arrested and escorted to a waiting police van.
More photos below.
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