Benjamin Lewis, 48, who identifies as a 'vampire' and claims to drink animal blood, has been detained in a hospital under the Mental Health Act following a series of disturbing incidents at churches in the New Forest. The incidents, which occurred between February and August 2025, left churchgoers fearful and disrupted services.
Lewis pleaded guilty to five counts of religiously aggravated harassment and two counts of theft of lambs at Southampton Crown Court. He had placed animal carcasses, including deer heads and slaughtered lambs, along with inverted crosses, on church premises. In one instance, a dead deer's head was left on a church pulpit, and a lamb was found on a light fixture with an inverted cross. Another incident involved a deer's head placed on the gates of a mental health facility where Lewis had previously been treated.
During an earlier hearing, Lewis identified himself as 'Count Dracular.' He expressed a fascination with vampires from a young age, believing that drinking animal blood would grant him eternal life. Police investigators noted that the animal remains were often placed on significant dates in the Satanic calendar. Lewis was eventually apprehended due to CCTV footage and forensic evidence, including his DNA found on a lamb.
A search of Lewis's home uncovered items such as sketches of vampires, newspaper clippings related to death, satanic symbols, and inverted crosses. He also possessed books about cults, serial killers, and vampires. In 2003, Lewis was jailed for harassing a vicar, a campaign that involved howling like dogs, making prank calls, and placing pornographic images at a church.
Dr. Gauruv Malhan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, testified that Lewis likely has autism, mixed personality disorder, OCD, and possibly a mild learning disorder, characterized by "fantastical thinking patterns." The psychiatrist noted a risk of escalation from harming animals to harming humans.
Sentencing Lewis, Judge William Mousley KC stated that the offenses justified a substantial prison sentence, taking into account his prior convictions for similar behavior. Lewis will remain under a hospital order for treatment. A Hampshire Constabulary Chief Inspector remarked that the sentence provides closure for the victims and offers the best opportunity for the offender's rehabilitation and the safety of the community. The investigation involved extensive work by local police teams, who noted the significant distress caused to farming communities and churchgoers.