Man who raped woman has his sentence increased

A 27-year-old man who raped a woman has had his sentence increased after a hearing at the Court of Appeal.

Aaron Akram, from Canton Acre, Painswick, had been found guilty of two counts of raping his ex-partner following a trial in November last year.

In December he was sentenced to four years imprisonment and given a 15-year restraining order.

The Crown Prosecution Service referred the sentence to the Attorney General's office under the Unduly Lenient Scheme, after liaising with the victim and police, and there was a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London on 14 May. Akram's sentence was increased to six years and six months.

During his trial, the court heard how Akram raped his ex-partner. She had tried to end their relationship but Akram would not accept that it was over, and he would turn up at her home uninvited and persistently ask her to have sex with him.

She repeatedly told him she did not want to and he ignored her refusals and raped her.

The victim reported what had happened to a support service and then the police.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges.

After the sentence was increased, the victim said: "I'm so relieved that the jury saw through Aaron's lies and that they believed the truth about what he subjected me to. I feel that he has always had a manipulative way of talking his way out of anything, and won't take no for an answer. For me to have been believed means everything, and it felt so empowering to hear the word 'guilty'.

"I want people to know who he is and what he did to me, so that he can't treat other women like this in the future. I felt forced to put up with his actions for years and years, but I got to a point where I felt like I was protecting him by keeping quiet about what was happening to me, and I started to speak to my friends and family about what he was doing.

"I was put in contact with a support worker at Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS), and she was so wonderful. After speaking with her for months and months, it got me into a position where I felt as though I could speak to the police as I realised that if I didn't report him, he will be in my life forever.

"By the time I went to the police there was already a whole file of evidence on him which GDASS could provide, which helped strengthen my case, and I had friends and family as witnesses who could speak for me in court.

"My advice to anyone who is in a similar situation is to please speak to someone. It doesn’t have to be the police, but a friend, relative or someone who can support you so that you are not isolated and feeling trapped.

"It's such a relief that this is over and done with now and although it has been really difficult, I’m glad that I went through with this and trusted the process. If I hadn't, I would still be putting up with his awful actions now."

The investigating officer, Police Staff Investigator Catherine Law, said: "Throughout this long and difficult investigation, the victim has shown remarkable strength and resilience.

"Despite the emotional strain and challenges she faced over such an extended period, she remained courageous and determined throughout.

"I hope that the outcome brings her some form of closure and peace moving forward. Her bravery and perseverance stand as an example of strength for other victims, showing that even though hardship, it is possible to continue with courage."

Tessa Davis, Service Manager from Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) said: "We are here to support those who are at risk of, or who have experienced domestic abuse. We recognise the courage it takes for survivors to seek help and navigate the criminal justice system.

"We understand the importance of being able to access specialist support whether you choose to report or not, and we encourage anyone to reach out when they are ready to do so."

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are worried about someone else, contact GDASS on 01452 726 570 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) or email [email protected]. More information can be found online here: https://www.gdass.org.uk/ 

To report a rape or other sexual offences call 999 in an emergency, or report by calling 101 or online here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/ 

Speaking with police and going through the criminal justice system is not something every victim/survivor wants to do. Support is available from partner agencies for all victims/survivors, regardless of whether they choose to go through the criminal justice system or not – do not suffer in silence.

In Gloucestershire, First Light provides Independent Sexual Violence Advisors for victims/survivors of sexual violence, whether the abuse was recent or not: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/ 

The Survivor Pathway is an online resource for anyone wanting to know more about sexual violence support services in the South West: https://survivorpathway.org.uk/