The sentence was increased after hearing at Court of Appeal
(Picture: PA)A man who crawled into a woman’s bed and sexually assaulted her has had his ‘lenient’ sentence increased.
Jamie Hardman, 33, went into the bedroom of his victim in London and got into her bed.
The victim, who was unwell and had her back to Hardman, thought it was her partner who just got into the bed with her.
Hardman then sexually assaulted her, causing her to run and lock herself in the bathroom. He then left the flat.
In August, Hardman was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court to three years and four months behind bars for assault by penetration.
But on Thursday, his “unduly lenient” sentence was increased by the Court of Appeal to four years and nine months’ imprisonment.
The sentence was increased after it was referred to appeal judges by Solicitor General Michael Thompson under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Speaking after the hearing, he said: “Jamie Hardman demonstrated shocking predatory behaviour and put the victim of this crime through a terrifying ordeal.
“I welcome the decision to increase his sentence and hope that this ruling sends the message that crimes of sexual violence will never be tolerated.”
