Sexual predator's rape sentence extended

A "dangerous sexual predator" who raped a 14-year-old girl has seen his sentence extended.

Scott Chapman, 25, of Barklie Mead, Hereford, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison at Worcester Crown Court in September.

But his sentence was increased at the Court of Appeal on Thursday to six years and eight months, after the solicitor general referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said: "Scott Chapman is a dangerous sexual predator. He sexually abused a young girl on several occasions causing untold mental and physical harm."

She added: "I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the victim for the trauma she has endured.

"I welcome the court's decision to increase Scott Chapman's s sentence, preventing this dangerous offender from harming anyone else."

Chapman met his teenage victim on Snapchat and Instagram in 2020 when he was 19 years old, before meeting her and engaging in sexual activity with her, knowing she was only 14.

He went on to subject is victim to rape and sexual assault, offences that were later reported to West Mercia Police.

Appearing at court in September, Chapman admitted one count of rape and four counts of sexual assault, as well as engaging in sexual communication with a child and making an indecent photograph.

He initially denied the accusations but later withdrew the denial after evidence was found on his phone, police said.

Chapman was further served a sexual harm prevention order to last for 10 years.

A personal statement from his victim said the experience had caused a significant impact on her life, resulting in lasting psychological and physical harm.

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