Newcastle rapist jailed for longer
Kenneth Gent has had his sentence increased following intervention by the Attorney General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP
A teenager who raped another young adult has had his sentence increased following intervention by the Attorney General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP.
Kenneth Gent, 19, was aged 16 when he raped an 18-year old girl after offering to accompany her on her way home. Following the rape, police identified him via CCTV and arrested him the same night.
Gent has 8 previous convictions, including for violent offences.
After being convicted of two counts of rape, Gent was sentenced to 3 years’ detention in a young offenders institution on 22 January 2021 at Newcastle Crown Court.
Following a referral to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme, on 31 March the Court found the sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 4 years and 6 months’ detention with 3-year extended licence.
Speaking after the hearing, the Attorney General, the Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP said:
Gent carried out a shocking attack, ignoring all cries to stop. In my view his sentence was too lenient, and I am glad that the Court saw fit to increase it today. I hope this brings some comfort to the young victim.