Trio who tortured man for 6 hours have sentenced increased
A trio who tortured and falsely imprisoned a man have had their sentences increased following intervention by the Solicitor General, The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP.
A trio who tortured and falsely imprisoned a man have had their sentences increased following intervention by the Solicitor General, The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP.
Rebecca McNally, 29, Jamie John Barker, 28, and Lewis Collier Herman, 25, tortured the victim, who was known to them, over a period of at least 6 hours and falsely imprisoned him, having tied him to a chair.
They used numerous weapons including a wine bottle, a sledgehammer, an axe, knives, a dumbbell bar, pliers, and a dog chain. They put cigarettes out on his body and set his hands, feet and head alight. The offenders also carved words into his back and threatened to falsely accuse him of rape.
Police officers found the victim with multiple serious injuries. He suffered kidney failure and very serious psychological harm. Part of the assault was recorded on a phone and shared on social media.
McNally, Barker and Herman pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. On 24 February at Worcester Crown Court, McNally was sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment, Barker was sentenced to 10 years and 3 months’ imprisonment and Herman was sentenced to 10 years and 3 months’ imprisonment.
Following a referral to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme by the Solicitor General, on 30 June the Court found the sentences to be unduly lenient and increased McNally’s sentence to 13 years’ imprisonment, Barker’s to 13 years and 6 months’ imprisonment and Herman’s to 13 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.
After the hearing at the Court of Appeal, the Solicitor General, The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP, said:
The actions of the offenders in this case were truly horrific, mentally and physically torturing the victim for hours. The impact on the victim is substantial and it is right for the sentences to reflect this and the risk they pose to the public. I hope that today’s decision will bring the victim some solace.