A man who pretended to be a taxi driver and sexually assaulted a young woman who got into his car has won a reduction in his jail sentence.
Two Court of Appeal judges in London cut the original four years’ imprisonment imposed in the case of Mashain Pitchei, 45, of Tring, Hertfordshire, and replaced it with a new jail term of 32 months.
His challenge against the length of the sentence handed down at St Albans Crown Court in April, following his earlier guilty plea to sexual assault, was allowed by Mr Justice Globe and Judge Anthony Morris QC.
Pitchei’s case is one of the first to be broadcast from the Court of Appeal after a near 90-year ban on allowing cameras in court was lifted.
It was argued on his behalf today that the original custodial term was “manifestly excessive”.
The appeal judges found that the sentence was “too long”, even taking into account the “aggravating features” of the offence.
Giving the ruling of the court, Judge Morris said the offence took place in October last year when Pitchei sexually assaulted an “extremely drunk” young woman who had been out drinking with friends in Hemel Hempstead.

Sent down in October
32 months porridge

out when with jamroll and good behaviour?

I see, she was extremely drunk - so the rapist is the victim here