Abusive partner sees sentence increase following referral

A man who abused his partner, engaging in violent coercive and controlling behaviour, has had his sentence increased after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the then Solicitor General.

Oritsetsemaye Nikoro, 22, became involved in a relationship in 2019 which soon became toxic.

Nikoro was coercive and controlling, using and threatening physical violence, including threats to kill. Nikoro also had access to his partners social media accounts and posted messages purporting to be her. There were occasions where she was unable to leave their flat due to noticeable injuries.

The physical violence included incidents of punching, kicking, and strangulation during which she struggled to breath. Nikoro also threatened violence with a knife and broken glass.

On 19 August 2021, Nikoro was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months’ imprisonment at Leicester Crown Court. He also had an indefinite restraining order imposed on him.

Following the sentence, the then Solicitor General referred Nikoro’s sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

On 26 October the Court of Appeal found his original sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 3 years and 10 months’ imprisonment.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP said:

Nikoro’s behaviour put a young woman in fear of her life, a betrayal of trust that was even more serious for having taken place in the home. I am pleased that Nikoro’s sentence has been increased by the Court, showing that abusive behaviour and violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.