A kidnapper caught on camera bundling his girlfriend into a van before she was found seriously injured has had his prison sentence referred to the Court of Appeal after the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC, said it appeared to be “unduly lenient”.
Chay Bowskill, 20, of Syston, Leicestershire, was initially jailed for seven-and-a-half years after being convicted of kidnap, coercive and controlling behaviour, and perverting the course of justice following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.
His accomplice, Rocco Sansome, 20, of Birstall, Leicestershire, was also found guilty of kidnap and sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Their victim, Angel Lynn, 19, was later found lying seriously injured in the carriageway of the A6 near Loughborough, Leicestershire Police said.
Both men will now have their jail terms reviewed.
Mr Chalk said: “The horrendous case of Angel Lynn, who was the victim of sustained abuse by her partner, Chay Bowskill, culminated in her suffering life-changing injuries.
“I wish to express my sympathies to her family.
“I have referred the sentence of Chay Bowskill, and that of his accomplice Rocco Sansome, to the Court of Appeal as they appear to me to be unduly lenient.
“It is now for the court to decide whether to increase the sentences.”
Horrific video footage showed the moment in September 2020 when Ms Lynn was forcibly picked up by Bowskill and taken into a silver Transit van, which was driven off at pace by Sansome.
Police said Ms Lynn exited the vehicle at some point in the journey and she now requires “round the clock care” due to the injuries she suffered.
In a statement released after the sentencing hearing, Ms Lynn’s family said: “Angel was so full of life and had such a great future ahead of her. That future has sadly been taken away from her.
“The catastrophic injuries Angel suffered will mean life will never be the same for her or our family.
“Every day is not only a huge struggle for Angel but also a huge struggle for our family and friends.”
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here