A man who raped a young woman in a city centre and filmed the attack has had his prison sentence bumped up by three years. The Court of Appeal ruled the original jail term was too lenient under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Rapist’s Sentence Increased to Nine Years
Gagandeep Gulati, 20, from Hounslow, West London, was first jailed for six years at Leicester Crown Court in March 2025. He was convicted of rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and sharing intimate footage.
But the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, stepped in. She referred the case to the Court of Appeal, arguing the sentence didn’t match the crime’s severity. Today, judges agreed and increased Gulati’s sentence to nine years. He also got concurrent terms of four years for assault by penetration and six months for sexual assault.
Horrific Attack in Leicester City Centre
The assault happened in September 2024 when Gulati spotted his victim alone during a night out in Leicester’s Jubilee Square. He coaxed the young woman to walk with him to nearby Castle Gardens, where he brutally attacked her.
Shockingly, Gulati filmed the rape on his phone and shared clips with others, deepening the trauma. Police arrested him after a thorough investigation including CCTV and forensic evidence.
Court of Appeal Slams Original Sentence
Judges slammed the initial punishment as “unduly lenient.” They highlighted the exploitative nature of the assault, the filmed abuse, and the long-lasting harm to the victim.
The Solicitor General said the new sentence “better reflects the gravity of the crimes and the serious psychological and emotional damage caused.” Gulati will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Justice Served, Victim Support Offered
“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.” – Lucy Rigby KC MP
If you’ve been affected by sexual assault, support is available. Contact Rape Crisis England & Wales on 0808 500 2222 or visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk.
