Appeal against severity of consecutive sentences for multiple aggravated sexual offences dismissed

The Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal against sentence severity brought by an individual convicted in the Central Criminal Court of sexual offences involving three separate complainants, all of whom provided escort services. The original court had imposed a cumulative sentence of 20 years' imprisonment (with the final two years suspended) for oral rape, rape, and attempted rape, reflecting the planned and aggravated nature of the attacks, including use of weapons and physical coercion. The appellant argued that the sentences were excessive, the wrong sentencing bands were applied, and insufficient weight was given to his guilty plea, expressions of remorse, and mitigating factors such as youth, addiction, and lack of prior convictions. The Court of Appeal found no error in the lower court's assessment of the seriousness of the offences, the application of sentencing guidelines, or the structure and reduction for mitigation and totality. In consequence, the appeal was dismissed and the sentence was upheld.