Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

Court of Appeal increases sentences for two convicted rapists (21 October 2015)

Date: 21/10/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Court of Appeal increases sentences for two convicted rapists

The Court of Appeal has ruled sentences given to two rapists were unduly lenient – and has increased them by 11 and five years.

The ruling came after a submission by Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP – both sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, and presented in Court by the Solicitor General in person.

In February 2015, Steven Norris was convicted of two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The jury could not reach verdicts in relation to four counts of rape and the case was listed for re-trial.

In June 2015, Norris was convicted on all four counts of rape and sentencing was adjourned for reports. On the 20 July 2015, Steven Norris was sentenced to an overall sentence of ten years’ imprisonment – and was also made the subject of a restraining order for an indefinite period until further order.

The court was told that Steven Norris had raped his victim regularly over a period of approximately three-and-a-half years – sometimes assaulting her at the same time.
On one occasion, Norris had pushed his victim from height, causing fractures to both her feet.

Upon arrest, Norris denied all charges of physical violence – and claimed the sexual intercourse had been consensual. He maintained his not guilty plea in court, meaning his victim had to testify against him in court.

Steven Norris was convicted of rape and actual bodily harm (ABH) – and in July this year, was originally sentenced to a total of ten years’ imprisonment by Southend Crown Court.
In the second case, Robert Lee committed a series of indecent assaults upon his victim between May 1999 and December 2003, at a time when the victim was aged between five and nine. Lee would sexually abuse the victim on a regular basis and threatened his victim who, due to her age, believed that she would never see her mother again if she did not do as he asked. Lee would also scare his victim by telling her that she would go to prison.

In interview, Lee denied any sexual abuse and said that the victim’s allegations were “rubbish and lies”.
On 16 July 2015 at Isleworth Crown Court, Robert Lee was convicted of three offences of indecent assault – but was acquitted of other counts of indecent assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

On the 23 July 2015, Lee was sentenced to a total sentence of nine years’ imprisonment.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made until further notice and he was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

On Tuesday (20/10/15), after a submission made in person in court by the Solicitor General, the Court of Appeal increased both men’s sentences in recognition that the original sentences were unduly lenient.

Norris had his sentence increased to 21 years’ imprisonment, with the court ruling that 16 years of the sentence should be custodial.

Lee had his sentence increased to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP said:

“Over a long period of time, both of these offenders abused their victims, who were left traumatised by the assaults.
“Both offenders also denied all the allegations – meaning the victims had to testify in court.

“I am very pleased that the Court of Appeal has today increased these sentences – and I hope that this encourages victims of sexual abuse to continue to come forward.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers

Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving sexual offences, including advising on appeals against conviction and sentencing.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our criminal defence lawyers regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons to advise on criminal law.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence lawyers.

For expert legal advice on all criminal charges, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Hotline on 020 7275 2036.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.