News story

Portsmouth man jailed for longer

Darren Rose has had his jail sentence increased following intervention by the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP.

Royal Courts of Justice

A Portsmouth man has had his jail sentence increased following intervention by the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP.

Darren Rose, 29, was found guilty of aggravated burglary and wounding with intent against two victims. Prior to this case the offender had 38 previous convictions, a number of which involved theft and violence.

Rose was convicted of breaking into a shared house in the early hours of 26 October 2019 and assaulting a man with a wine bottle. Rose was jealous of the perceived relationship his victim had with Rose’s then partner. A female housemate who confronted Rose was also assaulted and other residents were left in fear.

On 8 October 2020, Rose was sentenced to 7 years’ imprisonment at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Following the court’s decision, the Solicitor General referred the sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. On 4 February 2021, the Court found the sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 9 years’ imprisonment.

After the hearing at the Court of Appeal the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, said:

Rose broke into a house and assaulted two innocent people. The Court of Appeal’s decision to extend his sentence was the right one, and I hope this will lead to comfort for his victims.

Published 4 February 2021