A man who raped a young woman in Leicester city centre and filmed the assault has had his prison sentence increased by three years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Gagandeep Gulati, 20, of Hounslow in West London, was originally sentenced to six years’ imprisonment at Leicester Crown Court in March 2025 after being found guilty of rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and sharing or threatening to share intimate footage.
However, the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, referred the case to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the sentence failed to reflect the serious nature of the crimes.
Today, senior judges ruled in agreement, increasing Gulati’s sentence to nine years, with concurrent terms of four years for assault by penetration and six months for sexual assault.
Horrific Attack in Jubilee Square
The incident occurred in September 2024, when Gulati encountered his victim—who was alone—during a night out in Leicester’s Jubilee Square.
He manipulated the young woman into walking with him to Castle Gardens, where he carried out the vicious sexual assault. He recorded the rape on his mobile phone and shared clips with others, further compounding the trauma inflicted.
Gulati was arrested following a determined investigation by local detectives, who used CCTV footage and forensic evidence to build the case.
Court of Appeal Increases Sentence
Judges at the Court of Appeal found the original sentence “unduly lenient,” taking into account the exploitative nature of the attack, the recording and sharing of intimate content, and the lasting harm to the victim.
The increase to nine years’ imprisonment more accurately reflects “the gravity of the crimes and the serious psychological and emotional damage caused,” the Solicitor General said.
Gulati remains on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Victim Support and Legal Action
Lucy Rigby KC MP issued a statement following the hearing:
“This was an abhorrent and degrading attack on a young woman who was simply enjoying a night out. The original sentence did not sufficiently reflect the seriousness of the offence. I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to ensure justice is properly served.”
If you have been affected by sexual assault or abuse, support is available. Contact Rape Crisis England & Wales on 0808 500 2222 or visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk.
