Press release

Sentence increased in sexual assault case

Prashant Sawney will now face 3 years imprisonment after referral by the Solicitor General

Royal Courts of Justice

The sentence of a man who sexually assaulted a woman while she slept in her own home has been increased after intervention by the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP.

Prashant Sawney, 32, had been drinking with friends at his home on the evening of his offences. After helping an intoxicated friend back to his home that the friend shared with the victim, Sawney went into the victim’s bedroom, climbed into bed with her and sexually assaulted her.

Sawney was originally sentenced to 1 year in prison at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. The case was referred to the Solicitor General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, and as a result the Court of Appeal has today increased his sentence to 3 years.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General said:

“Sawney took advantage of an individual while she slept in her own home – a place where she has a right to feel safe and unfortunately, no longer does. I hope that the Court of Appeal’s decision today brings her some comfort.”

Published 17 April 2019