Man receives increased sentence after referral to the Court of Appeal

A man who raped and abused a woman has received an increased prison sentence after his case was referred to the Court of Appeal.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, raped the victim twice and subjected her to controlling and coercive behaviour. He also subjected the victim’s daughter to physical and verbal abuse.

On 15 July 2022, the offender was sentenced to 8 years’ and 3 months imprisonment for two counts of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, child cruelty and common assault. The offender also received a restraining order.

Following the sentencing, the case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

On 12 October 2022, the Court found the original sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 11 years 9 months’ imprisonment.

Speaking after the hearing, HM Attorney General Rt Hon Michael Ellis KC MP said:

The offender subjected the victim to despicable assaults and controlling, coercive behaviour, which will have a lasting impact on the victim and her daughter.

Increasing the sentence sends a clear message that any type of abuse is not acceptable and will be met with tough punishment.