CRAIG WELSH SENTENCED IN SCARBOROUGH FOR RAPE AND STRANGULATION
2026 UPDATE: Extension of restraining order due to risk he poses to women and children.SEPTEMBER 2024: A man convicted of rape and non-fatal strangulation has had his prison sentence increased after judges ruled it was not harsh enough.
Craig Welsh was jailed for seven years in June but a "gross error" was made when calculating his jail term, appeal judges heard.
Welsh, 37, previously of Scarborough, denied the offences, which took place in 2023, but was convicted after a trial at York Crown Court.
At a Court of Appeal hearing on Friday, his sentence was increased to eight years and nine months.
After the attack, his victim was left suffering physically, emotionally and mentally, felt "scared" and was in "constant survival mode", judges were told.
During the hearing, lawyers for the solicitor general challenged Welsh's sentence as being "unduly lenient".
Barrister Ben Holt said the judge had taken an "inappropriate" approach when determining the sentence for the rape offence and had "erred" by reducing the sentence to reflect prison conditions.
"When one looks at the entirety of the sentencing process there was reduction made at every stage of it," Mr Holt added.
Lord Justice Dingemans, overseeing the case, said the sentencing judge had taken the "wrong" approach, ruling that Welsh's overall sentence should be increased.
JUNE 2024: A man from Scarborough has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of serious sexual assault and non-fatal strangulation.
Craig Anthony Robert Welsh, aged 37 and previously residing on High Street in Eastfield, was handed a seven-year prison term by York Crown Court on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
The case arose from a trial where Welsh maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges.
However, after careful deliberation, the jury found him guilty of both offences, which occurred during the previous year.
The court's decision underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the importance of justice for the victim.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Tracey Brewster, who is part of the Scarborough CID investigating team, issued a statement emphasizing the significance of the victim’s bravery.
She said, “Welsh denied the offences during police interviews and subjected his already traumatised victim to the ordeal of a court trial.
She has shown courage and strength in reporting the crimes and providing the evidence to help secure justice.
Welsh is a danger to women and is now rightfully serving a prison sentence for what he has done.” Detective Brewster also highlighted the lasting impact of the assault on the victim, noting that the trauma inflicted is profound and life-altering.
Despite this, she expressed hope that the victim might find some solace and strength from the court’s verdict.
In addition to his prison sentence, Welsh was issued a 15-year restraining order, which prohibits him from approaching or contacting the victim.
Furthermore, he will be registered on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from future harm.
