Two rapists have had their prison sentences significantly increased following a review by the Court of Appeal, after concerns were raised by the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP.
The cases of Paul Watson, 45, from uk/where/chorley/">Chorley, and Anthony McNamara, 46, from County Durham, were both referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) Scheme. Both offenders were found to have inflicted prolonged and horrific abuse on their victims, prompting the Solicitor General to challenge the original sentences handed down.
Paul Watson – Sentence Increased to Life Imprisonment
Between January and April 2024, Watson subjected a woman to a sustained campaign of coercive control and multiple rapes. The court heard the victim only submitted to the assaults because she was terrified for her own safety.
Originally sentenced to 17 years, the Court of Appeal ruled on 3 April 2025 to quash the sentence and instead impose life imprisonment, reflecting the gravity and persistence of the abuse.
Anthony McNamara – Sentence Increased to 23 Years
In a separate case, McNamara was found to have groomed and repeatedly raped a young person over several years, with the abuse starting when the victim was just 12 years old.
Despite being arrested in May 2024 and warned not to contact the victim, McNamara breached bail conditions and continued grooming and sexual activity with the child.
His original 13-year sentence was also reviewed on 3 April. The Court of Appeal replaced it with a 23-year sentence, comprising an 18-year custodial term and a 5-year extended licence for public protection.
Solicitor General: ‘Justice Must Reflect the Severity’
Commenting on the rulings, Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:
“I am sickened to read about these rapists’ crimes, who both repeatedly preyed on their victims and inflicted terror upon them.
I am glad that the court has rightly decided to increase both of these sentences, and my thoughts today are with the victims who suffered unimaginable abuse.”
The Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme allows certain serious criminal sentences to be reviewed by the Court of Appeal if they are believed to be too low. The latest decisions underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that sentencing appropriately reflects the seriousness of offences, especially in cases involving sexual violence and child abuse.
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