Aaron Akram, 27, from Canton Acre, Painswick, has had his prison sentence increased following his conviction for two counts of raping his ex-partner. The Court of Appeal in London ruled on 14 May to extend his original four-year sentence to six years and six months after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) referred the case under the Unduly Lenient Scheme.
Original Conviction Details
Akram was found guilty in November last year after a trial where it was revealed he repeatedly raped his ex-partner. Despite her efforts to end the relationship, Akram ignored her refusals and persistently demanded sex, often turning up uninvited at her home.
Following the trial, he received a four-year sentence and a 15-year restraining order in December.
CPS and Police Actions
The victim reported the assaults to a support service and then to the police. Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Department carried out an investigation that led to the CPS authorising charges against Akram.
Subsequently, the CPS liaised with the victim and police to challenge the initial sentence as unduly lenient.
Appeal Hearing Outcome
During the hearing at the Court of Appeal, prosecutors successfully argued for a longer prison term, resulting in Akram’s sentence being increased by two and a half years. This extension reflects the severity of his crimes and sends a message about the consequences of sexual violence.
Support For Victims Highlighted
The case underscores the importance of specialist support services for victims of sexual abuse and the role of law enforcement in ensuring justice.
The victim’s courage in reporting the crimes was crucial to securing Akram’s conviction.
