VDT, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1567 (13 November 2025)

VDT, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1567 (13 November 2025)

The original sentence was unduly lenient because the lead rape offence should have been categorised as 1B due to extreme harm and pregnancy, with multiple aggravating features and additional offending against two further victims requiring a higher custodial term. The correct sentence was an extended sentence of 20½ years (16½ years custody, 4 years extended licence).

Citation
[2025] EWCA Crim 1567
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Offender: VDT
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 November 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal (reference by Attorney General Under S.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988) / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
Appeal allowed; sentence increased
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Sexual Offences, Unduly Lenient Sentences, Historic Sexual Offences
Criminal Law Sentencing Sexual Offences Unduly Lenient Sentences Historic Sexual Offences

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

VDT

Offender

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal (reference by Attorney General Under S.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988) / Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed for multiple serious sexual offences was unduly lenient
  2. 2 Proper categorisation of harm and culpability under sentencing guidelines for historic sexual offences
  3. 3 Appropriate uplift for multiple victims and aggravating features

Ratio Decidendi

The original sentence was unduly lenient because the lead rape offence should have been categorised as 1B due to extreme harm and pregnancy, with multiple aggravating features and additional offending against two further victims requiring a higher custodial term. The correct sentence was an extended sentence of 20½ years (16½ years custody, 4 years extended licence).

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; sentence increased

Orders

  • Sentence on count 3 quashed and substituted with an extended sentence of 20½ years (16½ years custody, 4 years extended licence)
  • All other orders remain except the victim surcharge order, which is quashed