Beccles rapist to spend longer in prison
The Court of Appeal today increased the unduly lenient sentence handed to rapist Martin Tom.
In May this year Martin Tom entered the home of his victim and despite her protests proceeded to force himself on her. She persuaded him to get dressed and after calling the police he eventually left via the back door.
In September this year, Tom was sentenced to 5 years and 4 months’ imprisonment with an extended licence period of 4 years at Ipswich Crown Court.
Today the Court of Appeal raised this sentence to a custodial term of 7 years and 6 months with an extended licence period of 4 years and 6 months.
The original sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP who today said:
“By Martin Tom’s own admission, he entered his victim’s home as a trespasser and committed this appalling rape. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, and I am pleased that the Court of Appeal has increased Tom’s sentence to reflect the aggravating features in this case.”