Tag: Attorney General

The press release issued by the Attorney General on 26 May 2026.

The Attorney General has made the decision to refer the cases of the Fordingbridge Three to the Court of Appeal.

Following a swift and detailed examination of the cases, the Attorney General has made the decision to refer the cases of the Fordingbridge Three to the Court of Appeal.

After receiving multiple requests to review the sentences, the Attorney General’s Office obtained copies of the papers relating to this case. These included the facts of the offending, the judge’s findings and the sentencing guidelines, which have been carefully considered.

A reference under the Unduly Lenient Scheme can only be made if a sentence is not just lenient, but likely to be unduly so.

The Court of Appeal will now decide whether the sentence imposed was unduly lenient, and whether to increase the existing sentence.

The Attorney General Richard Hermer KC says:

There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest, and concern, at this horrific case.

I directed my officials to work urgently, to allow me to consider this decision swiftly, and to begin to bring closure to the victims and their families.

It is clear to me from their powerful personal statements, that these girls have displayed immense bravery in coming forward.

There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system.

Notes for Editors

• Anyone can ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed if they think it’s too low.
• The Law Officers can review sentences given by the Crown Court in England and Wales if they’re asked to. The Law Officers have 28 days from sentencing to carefully consider the case and make a decision
• By law only certain types of case can be reviewed, such as: murder, manslaughter and rape
• Victims and their bereaved families will have up to six months in the interests of justice to ask for a sentence to be reconsidered – rather than being strictly limited to 28 days: Victims and bereaved get more time to challenge lenient sentences – GOV.UK
• More information on the ULS scheme, including who can refer and for what reasons, can be found on our website: Ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed – GOV.UK

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 19 May 2026.

Adam Leddra, from Fatfield in Washington, had his sentence increased to four years after the Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The court heard that Leddra met his victim on social media in June 2012 when she was 15 years old and he was 19.

Leddra began grooming the teenager online before he sexually abused the victim on several occasions.

He coerced the teenager through emotional blackmail to share indecent images and Leddra gave the victim a sexually transmitted infection.

When police arrested Leddra, he said he did not remember the victim, while denying he sexually abused her or coerced her into sexual acts.

The court heard that Leddra had previous cautions for possessing indecent images of a child and was jailed for 20 months in 2014 for similar offences against two other girls.

The victim provided impact statements to the courts where the teenager said she had suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and that Leddra took advantage of her vulnerability and difficult home life.

The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said:

Adam Leddra is a dangerous sexual predator. He knew his victim was only a teenager but completely disregarded her age, preying on her vulnerabilities to unleash some of the most horrific sexual abuse.

I welcome the court’s decision to increase his prison sentence and protect any more victims from harm. I want to commend the victim’s bravery for coming forward to help bring this perpetrator to justice.

On 23 December 2025 at Newcastle Crown Court, Adam Leddra was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child, and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Leddra also received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order.

On Tuesday 19 May 2026, the Court of Appeal increased Adam Leddra’s sentence to four years.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 19 March 2026.

A rapist who broke into a woman’s home and tried to get her to drop case against him has his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened

Ionut Tanae of Nelson, Lancashire, had his sentence increased by three years and seven months after the Solicitor General referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. 

The court heard that 33-year-old Tanae raped his victim on two separate occasions.  

He then broke into the victim’s home and tried to persuade her to drop the case against him.  

After being charged and remanded in custody, Tanae wrote to the victim and for a second time tried to convince her to drop the case.  

In the victim’s impact statement, she described suffering with depression and anxiety as well as feelings of immense shame.  

The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said: 

Ionut Tanae’s crimes were devastating. He raped his victim on more than one occasion and then intimidated her to drop the case. Even in custody, Tane continued his campaign of intimidation. 

No one should have to endure what the victim went through, and the original sentence did not reflect the true gravity of his offending. I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase Ionut Tanae’s sentence, and I commend the bravery of the victim throughout this horrendous ordeal. 

On 26 November 2025, Tanae was sentenced to eight years and six months at Preston Crown Court after being convicted of two counts of rape, two counts of perverting the course of justice and one count of burglary. 

On 19 March 2026 at the Court of Appeal, Tanae’s sentence was increased to 12 years and one month.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 6 February 2026.

A man who raped and sexually abused a teenage girl had his sentence extended after the Solicitor General intervened.

Scott Chapman, of Hereford, had his sentence increased by nearly two and half years after the Solicitor General referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. 

The court heard that Scott Chapman befriended a 14-year-old girl he met online.  

Scott Chapman, who was 20-years-old at the time, was aware of the girl’s age before sexually abusing the victim on several occasions.  

In one incident in April 2021, Scott Chapman raped the victim despite protests to stop and when confronted by the teenager, denied the assault had taken place.  

The victim said in a personal statement, that the experience has had a significant impact on her life,  causing lasting psychological and physical harm. 

The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said: 

Scott Chapman is a dangerous sexual predator. He sexually abused a young girl on several occasions causing untold mental and physical harm.  

I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the victim for the trauma she has endured. I welcome the court’s decision to increase Scott Chapman’s s sentence, preventing this dangerous offender from harming anyone else. 

On 18 September 2025 at Worcester Crown Court, Scott Chapman was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to rape, sexual activity with a child, and sexual communication with a child. 

On 5 February 2026 at the Court of Appeal, Scott Chapman’s sentence was extended to six years and eight months.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 27 January 2026.

More rape and sexual assault survivors across England and Wales will have the right to ask for their cases to be reviewed before a final decision to offer no evidence is made after pilot scheme is significantly expanded into three more regions.

Following positive feedback from an initial pilot in the West Midlands, which launched in June 2025, the Solicitor General has confirmed the scheme will now expand to three more CPS Areas.

Beginning with CPS North West in January, followed by CPS Yorkshire and Humberside in early February, and CPS Cyrmu-Wales in April. 

Under the current system, criminal cases can be stopped at any point if a prosecutor decides there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. While victims can ask for the decision to be reviewed under the Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) scheme, this will not change the outcome. 

The pilot gives victims of rape or serious sexual abuse the right for their case to be reviewed by a different prosecutor before any final decisions are made, and the chance to continue proceedings remains.  

If that prosecutor determines there is enough evidence, the case will continue. 

The move will help to enhance confidence in the justice system by giving victims more control over their case, getting them the answers they deserve and putting perpetrators behind bars. 

The pilot is an important part of the government’s VAWG strategy, which sets out its commitment to halving violence against women and girls within a decade. 

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said: 

Rape and sexual assault are abhorrent, causing long-lasting physical and emotional trauma to victims.  Victims who come forward deserve to know that their experiences are being heard.   

This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls and following a positive pilot in the West Midlands, I am working with CPS to roll out the victims right to review pilot to three more regions. 

This will increase routes to justice and above all, it will ensure victims are given fairness, dignity and are truly heard. 

Survivors eligible for the pilot in the West Midlands – including those who did not request a review – gave positive feedback, saying they valued having the opportunity for their case to be reconsidered before a final decision was reached. 

The expansion will allow the Crown Prosecution Service to gather further evidence and data on the scheme’s effectiveness before any decision is made on a national rollout. 

Siobhan Blake, National CPS Lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, said:  

For survivors of rape and sexual offences, the possibility that their abuser may never face justice can be deeply distressing.  

Victims deserve absolute confidence that every decision is made with care and expertise. Our specialist prosecutors usually get it right first time, but when we don’t — and a case that could have continued is stopped — an apology alone can never feel like justice.  

Victims who have taken part so far have told us that simply having this option makes a positive difference.   

I’m pleased we are now expanding the pilot so we can gather the evidence we need to understand the full impact and how best to support victims.

 Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, said: 

It’s encouraging to see the VRR pilot expanding further. From lived experience, I know the difference an earlier opportunity for review can make, and the learning from the West Midlands shows this clearly – survivors have said that simply having this option makes a positive difference.

Adding this right is an important step forward. It helps build confidence in the justice system by giving victims greater control at a critical moment in their case and the chance to get the answers they deserve. The phased, evidence-led approach reflects constructive engagement and a genuine willingness to learn from what’s working. I’m proud to see this steady progress and grateful for the openness to change.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 9 December 2025.

A violent drug dealer who terrorised his neighbour and driver had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

Dale Hamilton (30), from Middlesbrough, had his sentence increased by three years after the Solicitor General referred his case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The court heard that during 2024 Hamilton ran a drugs line supplying cocaine. When he became aware his neighbour was a former police officer and recovering addict, Hamilton posted cocaine through their letterbox, so he would relapse and order more.

Hamilton threatened his neighbour with a zombie knife demanding money after he destroyed £500 worth of cocaine after police visited the neighbour for an unrelated matter.

Hamilton convinced his neighbour to give him a key to their flat before using the social accommodation as his own. Efforts were made to remove Hamilton from the victim’s flat, but Hamilton demanded more money and threatened to kill the neighbour before the victim escaped to emergency accommodation.

A second man, who worked for Hamilton as his driver, was also terrorised. While on bail for robbery, Hamilton accused the driver of stealing before extorting £160. Hamilton also demanded a further £200 while threatening to assault the driver and shoot his children if he didn’t pay.

In a Victim Personal Statement, his neighbour said the incident left him feeling vulnerable, anxious and living in fear.

The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said: 

Dale Hamilton is a dangerous and violent man, with no consideration of other people. He terrorised his neighbour who was vulnerable and a recovering drug addict before robbing and threatening to kill a second person’s children.

I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase Hamilton’s sentence, keeping this dangerous man off our streets.  I would also like to offer my sincere sympathies to his victims who were brave in coming forward.

On 11 August 2025 at Teesside Crown Court, Dale Hamilton was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment after he was convicted of two counts of robbery, one count of kidnapping, one count of blackmail and one count supplying class A drugs.

On 9 December 2025 the Court of Appeal increased the sentence to 13 years.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 4 December 2025.

A man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

Oswald Greenaway (60), from Shoreditch, East London, had his sentence increased by a year after the Solicitor General referred his case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.  

The court heard that in the early hours of 30 September 2023, Greenaway had parked his car near Homerton, in the Hackney area, when he spotted a vulnerable woman on her own.  

Greenaway offered the woman a lift home but instead, he drove her to his home. Once in his flat, he gave her alcohol before sexually assaulting the victim.  

After two hours, the victim managed to escape. But Greenaway went after the victim and was found by the police with her and an 11-inch knife on him.  

In a Victim Personal Statement, the victim said the incident severely affected her mental wellbeing, physical health and day-to-day life. 

The Solicitor General Rt Hon Ellie Reeves MP said:

I was utterly appalled by this case. Oswald Greenaway is a dangerous sexual predator, who deliberately targeted a vulnerable woman before kidnapping and sexually assaulting them.  

I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase Greenaway’s sentence, and I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the victim, who has showed remarkable courage throughout.

On 28 July 2025 at Wood Green Crown Court, Oswald Greenaway was sentenced to four years and three months after he was convicted of one count of kidnapping, one count of sexual assault, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count carrying a bladed weapon.  

On 30 October 2025 the Court of Appeal increased the sentence to five years and three months.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 13 November 2025.

A children’s social worker who had a double life running a large-scale drug and weapons enterprise had her sentence increased following intervention by the Solicitor General.

Chloe Scott (27) from Lewisham, London, had her sentence increased by three years and three months after the Solicitor General referred her case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The court heard that Chloe Scott was arrested in April 2024 after a 15-year-old boy was stopped by police at Tower Hill Underground Station.

The teenager was carrying a knife and class A drugs, as well as instructions on his phone from Chloe Scott and a man named Miles Addy to sell drugs. Miles Addy was in prison at the time.

Police seized Chloe Scott’s phone, as well as several burner phones, and uncovered evidence of a large-scale drug and weapons criminal enterprise across London and the South East run by Chloe Scott and Miles Addy.

From prison, Miles Addy sent Chloe Scott addresses for the delivery of weapons and drugs. The pair discussed how much profit they were making and sent sexually suggestive messages.

Chloe Scott had several notes on her phone and numbers of dealers, as well as photos and videos of her handling and weighing drugs.

In June 2023, armed officers had stopped Chloe Scott’s car in Islington, North London. Police discovered 500 grams of cocaine, five large hunting knifes and a small phone and charger wrapped in cling film, indicative of items being smuggled into prisons.

Scott was charged with drugs and weapons offences, as well as causing unnecessary suffering to an animal because her dog’s ears were found to have been cropped by an amateur.

The Solicitor General Rt Hon Ellie Reeves MP said:

Drugs and guns are a scourge on our communities. Chloe Scott, fuelled crime across London by supplying drugs and weapons to criminals, enriching herself through the suffering of others.

I welcome the court’s decision to increase Chloe Scott’s sentence following my referral and hope this sends a clear message to organised gangs and criminals that they will be justly punished for their crimes.

On 13 June 2025, Chloe Scott was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to 12 years for after being charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, two counts of selling/transferring a firearm, conspiracy to possess a firearm without a certificate, conspiracy to possess ammunition without a firearms certificate, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and possession of a bladed article.

On 12 November 2025, Scott’s sentence was increased to 15 years and three months’ imprisonment after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 15 October 2025.

A man who groomed and repeatedly sexually abused a 14-year-old girl had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP intervened.

The court heard that Abiola Adenmosun, from Chatham, Kent, approached the teenager when he was 22 and despite learning she was 14 years old, began a relationship with her.  

Between 2012 and 2013, Adenmosun gave the teenager drugs, alcohol and sexually abused her several times, typically in his car.  

During this period, Adenmosun damaged the teenager’s phone and assaulted the victim’s sister. 

In a victim impact statement, the victim said she struggles with anxiety every day and also suffers physical pain.  

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said:

This was a deeply troubling case of sustained sexual abuse by a grown man against a vulnerable child.  

I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase Adenmosun’s sentence and I would like to express my deepest sympathies to his victim who has been so brave in coming forward.

On 18 July 2025 at Maidstone Crown Couty, Abiola Adenmosun was sentenced to four years and three months at Maidstone Crown Court. He also received an Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an Indefinite Restraining Order.  

Following a referral under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Court of Appeal increased the sentence to six years and nine months imprisonment.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 28 August 2025.

Rapists and sex offenders saw their sentences increased under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme after the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP intervened.

Under the ULS scheme, anyone can ask the Law Officers to review a sentence where they believe the sentence imposed by the court is unduly lenient.

The latest quarterly data shows that between April and June 2025, 34 sentences were increased under the ULS scheme following the Solicitor General’s referral, and 13 of these were for rape offences.

The largest sentence increase was for Adrian Revill, who had his three-year sentence tripled to nine years and six months’. Revill was imprisoned for repeatedly sexually abusing an underage teenager.

The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

“Rape is a horrific offence, which can often leave lifelong trauma for victims.

“As this Government’s Solicitor General, I will continue to support victims to ensure perpetrators are properly published for their crimes.”

Sentence increases for rapists and sexual predators during this period included:

• Haider Ali, from Middlesborough, had his sentence increased by five years from an extended sentence of 12 years compromising of 10 years’ imprisonment with a licence extension of two years, to 17 years comprising of 15 years’ imprisonment with a license extension of two years for attacking and raping two women on the same night.
• Gagandeep Gulati, from Hounslow, West London, had his sentence increased from six years to nine years for raping a woman, filming it, and sharing the footage with others.
• Anthony Williams, from Gloucester, had his sentence increased for approaching women online and pretending to be a professional photographer. He then lured women to his flat, encouraging them to undress, and sexually assaulted them. His sentence was increased from eight years’ imprisonment to 12 years.
• Ibrar Hussain, 47, and brothers Imtiaz and Fayaz Ahmed, aged 62 and 45, from Keighley all had their sentences increased for sexually abusing a vulnerable girl in the 1990s in Keighley.