Hartlepool Rapist’s Sentence Increased to 8 years Following Appeal

A Hartlepool teenager who was originally sentenced to five years and nine months in a young offenders’ institution in November for committing 13 sexual offences, including rape, has had his sentence increased.

The request to extend the sentence handed to 19-year-old Dominic Legg was heard at the Court of Appeal on Thursday 6th February, and his sentence was increased to eight years in a young offenders’ institution.

He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life and he was also given indefinite restraining orders preventing him from contacting the victims.

Detective Inspector Lou Sproson from Hartlepool CID said: “I am pleased that Legg’s sentence has been increased to reflect the nature and severity of his offending. This is welcomed by the officers who investigated the case and by the victims and their families.

“Victims are at the centre of all of our investigations, and we always do everything we can to achieve an appropriate sentence at court.

“I can reassure anyone who has experienced sexual assault of any nature that we will always investigate thoroughly, and we can offer support from the moment they report right throughout our enquiries and until the judicial process is over.”

If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of sexual abuse, please report it by contacting Cleveland Police either on 101 or visiting our website. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.

There are numerous services and organisations available that can provide help and support including Teesside SARC and others can be found here.