A forklift driver convicted of raping his daughter has lodged an appeal against his sentence, according to court officials. The man, who cannot be named to protect his victim's identity, was found guilty last month of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against his biological daughter over a period of several years.
The offences came to light after the victim, now in her twenties, reported the abuse to police. During the trial, the court heard that the father had begun assaulting her when she was a child, using threats and manipulation to maintain control. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict after a two-week trial at the Crown Court.
Sentencing the man to 18 years in prison, the judge described his actions as a 'gross breach of trust' and said he had caused 'profound and lasting harm' to his daughter. The defendant showed no emotion as the sentence was passed.
His legal team confirmed that an appeal has been filed on grounds that the sentence was 'manifestly excessive' and that the trial judge had misdirected the jury on certain legal points. The Court of Appeal is expected to hear the case within the next six months.
The victim's family have expressed disappointment at the appeal, saying they hope the original sentence will be upheld. A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said they would robustly defend the conviction and sentence.
