Rapist has sentence increased following DPP appeal

A man from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, has had his rape sentence increased by the Court of Appeal following a challenge brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions on grounds of undue leniency. Aurelijus Kizelavicius, aged 23, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to rape and assault causing harm following an incident on 29 March 2015. The court heard that Kizelavicius offered the woman a late-night lift after she became stranded in Monaghan town. Upon arrival at her home, he subjected her to repeated punches to the face before sexually assaulting her. The victim sustained facial injuries and provided an impact statement detailing the severe psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety, and diminished confidence. Mr Justice Paul Butler initially sentenced Kizelavicius to five years imprisonment with the final two years suspended in April 2018. He characterised the offence as falling within the middle range of rape cases, and took account of the accused's youth and guilty plea in mitigation. On appeal, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy increased the custodial portion to seven years with two years suspended. She found the original sentence unduly lenient, emphasising the seriousness of the rape and the significant additional violence involved. The court also referenced adverse probation reports and disciplinary breaches committed whilst in custody as aggravating factors. In terms of rehabilitation, Kizelavicius has agreed to participate in a sex offender treatment programme as part of his release conditions. His case reflects the appellate court's willingness to revisit sentences in sexual violence matters where initial custodial terms are deemed insufficient to reflect the gravity and circumstances of the offence.