Court of Appeal increases sentence for Nelson rapist

Content note: this article discusses sexual violence. On 19 March 2026, the Court of Appeal increased the prison term for 33-year-old Ionut Tanae, from Nelson in Lancashire, to 12 years and 1 month. He was originally given 8 years and 6 months at Preston Crown Court for two counts of rape, two counts of perverting the course of justice and one count of burglary. The Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, referred the case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. (gov.uk)

The government’s statement says Tanae raped the victim on two occasions, then broke into her home to pressure her to drop the case, and even wrote from custody to try again. The victim’s statement described depression, anxiety and overwhelming shame. After the referral, the Court of Appeal judged the original term too low and increased it by three years and seven months. (gov.uk)

If you’re hearing about the ULS scheme for the first time, here’s the simple version: anyone can ask for certain Crown Court sentences to be reviewed if they seem too low. You must do this within 28 days of the original sentencing. The Law Officers (the Attorney General or Solicitor General) decide whether to send the case to the Court of Appeal; the court then decides if the sentence was “unduly” lenient, not just lower than some might expect. (gov.uk)

It’s not a re‑trial. Judges look only at sentence, using the facts the trial judge had. Many requests don’t lead to a referral, and some referrals are refused by the Court of Appeal. Rape is one of the serious offences that sit within the scheme’s scope. (cps.gov.uk)

You might also see the term “Victim Personal Statement” (VPS). This is an optional statement where a victim explains how the crime has affected them-emotionally, physically, financially or in other ways. Courts can take VPS content into account when deciding sentence, and victims can sometimes ask to read it aloud. The CPS and GOV.UK both explain how a VPS works and how to make one. (cps.gov.uk)

Intimidating or pressuring someone to drop a case is itself criminal. In this case, prosecutors secured convictions for perverting the course of justice because of the attempts to interfere with proceedings, alongside the burglary. Courts treat such behaviour as seriously undermining justice. (gov.uk)

For context, the Attorney General’s Office reports that dozens of sentences are increased each year after ULS referrals. In one recent quarter of 2025, 34 sentences were increased following referrals by the Solicitor General, including 13 for rape offences. That doesn’t mean every case is changed, but it shows the scheme is actively used for the most serious crimes. (gov.uk)

People often ask what a longer term means in practice. Release rules vary by sentence type, but for many serious sexual offences the law now requires longer time in custody: since 2020 and then in 2022, the automatic release point for specified violent and sexual offences moved from halfway to two‑thirds of the term (with exact arrangements depending on the sentence passed). Always treat case‑by‑case predictions with caution. (gov.uk)

If you’re supporting a friend or following a case, note two helpful routes. First, the 28‑day ULS window starts on the day of sentencing; families, victims or members of the public can submit a request online. Second, your Witness Care Unit or Victim Liaison contact can explain your rights under the Victims’ Code and update you on what happens next. (gov.uk)

Finally, if reading this has been difficult, you’re not alone and support is available. In England and Wales you can contact the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line run by Rape Crisis England & Wales on 0808 500 2222. You can also speak to Samaritans any time on 116 123 if you need to talk. Save these numbers, and share them if someone you know needs them. (rapecrisis.org.uk)