Child Rapist's Sentence Increased on Appeal

Christopher Appleby, 56, was convicted at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court of raping and sexually abusing three girls over more than a decade. The crimes, some of which date back to the 1990s, were described as "despicable" by the court.

Appleby was initially sentenced to 15 years in prison following a six-day trial. However, the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP, referred the case to the Court of Appeal, arguing the original sentence was unduly lenient.

The Court of Appeal agreed, increasing Appleby's sentence to 21 years imprisonment followed by five years on licence.

"It is never too late for justice to be served and Appleby's actions were despicable," Mr Chalk said. "I am glad the Court of Appeal saw fit to increase his sentence today and I hope it brings some comfort to the brave victims."

Appleby was found guilty of four charges of rape, two charges of sexual assault, two charges of indecent assault, two charges of indecency with a child and attempting to cause a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

In a statement read out during the original sentencing hearing, one of the victims said, "I hope he remains behind bars forever. I long to forget about this part of my life forever and live safely with my partner and children without the thought of this man being on the loose anymore."

Another victim said the thought of being in the same room as Appleby makes her skin crawl. "All I can really say is this has finally brought some closure," she said. "You took away the last of my childhood and severed a friendship. It upsets me that it didn't end with me, of course you thought you could do it again."