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Criminal law – Sexual assault. The offender had been convicted of assault by penetration contrary to s 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and was sentenced to three years and six months' imprisonment. The victim had been in a lengthy relationship with the offender and there had been previous incidences of domestic violence. In sentencing, the judge had taken into account, amongst other things, a plea made by the victim, who had sought to withdraw her statement at trial. The Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, held that given the background and the gravity of the offence, the sentence had been unduly lenient. Consequently, the sentence was increased to seven years' imprisonment.
Criminal law – Sexual assault. The offender had been convicted of assault by penetration contrary to s 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and was sentenced to three years and six months' imprisonment. The victim had been in a lengthy relationship with the offender and there had been previous incidences of domestic violence. In sentencing, the judge had taken into account, amongst other things, a plea made by the victim, who had sought to withdraw her statement at trial. The Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, held that given the background and the gravity of the offence, the sentence had been unduly lenient. Consequently, the sentence was increased to seven years' imprisonment.
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