Increased prison sentence for man convicted of rape and controlling or coercive behaviour

A man who raped a victim will spend longer in prison after his sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, raped the victim after his behaviour towards her had become controlling and coercive for a number of years. The controlling and coercive behaviour both included physical violence and taking away her bank cards. Following the rape, the victim called the police and the offender was subsequently arrested.

On 25 August 2022 at Snaresbrook Crown Court the offender was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months’ imprisonment for one count of rape and one count of controlling or coercive behaviour.

His sentence was then referred to the Court of Appeal for being too low.

On 30 November 2022 the Court ruled that the original sentence was unduly lenient, and handed down a new sentence of 8 years imprisonment.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:

“The offender displayed utterly shameful behaviour before committing a dreadful act of rape. While no sentence can repair the harm brought about his actions, I am satisfied with the Court’s decision to hand down a sentence which is a better reflection of the severity of his crimes.”