The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme has increased two sentences following referrals to the Court of Appeal.
In one case, a carer who sexually abused a severely disabled child had their sentence extended from three years to eight years after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
In February 2025 Jamil Talukder was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a severely disabled child. Talukder had arrived in the UK in 2022 to study for a degree. He was employed as a carer and took on the role with the victim in October 2023; the mother became suspicious and covertly recorded the abuse. It was revealed Talukder also abused another child after evidence was found on his mobile phone.
Sheffield Crown Court originally sentenced Talukder to three years’ imprisonment; on 22 May 2025 this was revised to eight years. Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:
“Jamil Talukder preyed on a vulnerable child he was meant to be taking care of, as well as another young child. He abused the trust that was placed in him for his own sexual gratification, and I welcome the Court’s increase to his sentence. I would like to extend my sympathies to his victims and their families.”
A second case involved Philip Humphreys, 39, from Stoke-on-Trent who had received a suspended sentence following his conviction for controlling and coercive behaviour.
The relationship began in April 2022 shortly after which the couple moved in together. Humphreys soon became controlling and coercive, convinced his partner was unfaithful, constantly checking in on her and dictating her clothing choices. He stole from the victim to feed a drugs habit and became physically aggressive, throwing furniture and shouting at the victim. A violent assault on holiday, which included strangling her and dragging her backwards, was only stopped when hotel staff disturbed the pair. Post-separation Humphreys continued to harass the victim.
The Court of Appeal heard how Humphreys was sentence to 18 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years, with 200 hours of unpaid work and a 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days in March 2025. Following the referral this was increased to two years and four months’ imprisonment under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
“Philip Humphreys’ carried out a sustained physical and psychological campaign of abuse against his victim, who must have been in a constant state of fear. My thoughts today are with the victim, and I commend her bravery for coming forward.”
said Attorney General Lord Hermer KC, adding
“Philip Humphreys is a violent man, and I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence. I hope this case serves a strong warning to domestic abusers that we will use the full force of the law to keep violent abusers off our streets.”
