CONNOR BARRASS SHOCKS NEWCASTLE WITH RAPE AND VIOLENCE SENTENCE INCREASE

A man from Newcastle, Connor Barrass, has seen his prison sentence significantly extended following an intervention by the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP. Barrass, aged 23, was convicted of multiple serious crimes including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and causing grievous bodily harm to a woman who was 40 years old at the time of the incident.

The events leading to his conviction took place on 10 August 2020, when Barrass was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court. The original sentence handed down was 12 years of imprisonment. In addition to the custodial term, the court issued a restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim and mandated that Barrass comply with sex offender notification requirements, a legal obligation that requires him to register as a sex offender and adhere to specific restrictions.

Despite the initial sentencing, concerns were raised about its adequacy, prompting the Solicitor General to review the case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. The Solicitor General referred the matter to the Court of Appeal, which is empowered to reassess sentences deemed insufficient given the severity of the crimes.

On 9 December, the Court of Appeal declared Barrass to be a Dangerous Offender, a designation that reflects the court’s assessment of his potential risk to the public. The court found that the original 12-year sentence was unduly lenient considering the gravity of his offenses. As a result, the court increased his sentence to 15 years of imprisonment, followed by an additional five years on licence, meaning he will be subject to supervision and restrictions upon release.

Following the hearing, the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, issued a statement condemning Barrass’s actions. He described the crimes as shocking and despicable, emphasizing that the Court of Appeal’s decision to extend the sentence was a recognition of the profound distress and harm inflicted upon the victim. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by legal authorities to ensure that offenders receive appropriate punishment commensurate with the severity of their crimes, especially in cases involving violence against women.