sentence review for ‘brutal’ park rapist
A BABY-FACED brute who raped a teenager in a park could be locked up for longer after his “unduly lenient” sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal.
Kenneth Gent was just 16 when he subjected his victim to a violent sex attack which left her battered and bleeding.
Gent, now 19, was sentenced to three years in a young offenders’ institution when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in January.
Now the sentence could be increased further after being referred to the Attorney General’s office to be reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.
The ULS scheme allows victims of crime, their families and the public to ask for a review of certain sentences that they believe are far too low.
The attack by Gent happened in Bensham Park, Gateshead, in autumn 2017.
Gent had been riding his bicycle in the park, but got off to grab his victim by the wrist and drag her into a wooded area where he punched her to the floor and kicked her in the back.
After a bloody struggle, Gent raped her twice before running off.
Gent, 19, of Clavering Road, Swalwell, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape. The judge described the attack as “brutal” as she sent Gent to a young offenders’ institution for three years.
He must also sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Judge Julie Clemitson said at the Newcastle Crown Court trial Gent is an ongoing risk and “shows no understanding of the harm caused” and “little in the way of remorse”.