Judge described Norwich sex offender as ‘Jack the lad’

Aaron Hewson, 33, was sentenced to a total of three years 11 months after being found guilty of sexually assaulting three women some of who were asleep at the time.  

The Court of Appeal has now increased his jail term to seven years after finding “significant flaws” with the original sentence imposed at Norwich Crown Court in April by Recorder John Hardy.

The Court of Appeal criticised the original judge ruling his sentencing of Hewson had been unduly lenient (Image: PA)

A panel of three judges said: “We deplore the description of the offending as indicating that the offender was a ‘Jack the lad’. The offending was predatory and highly culpable.”

They also criticised comments made by Recorder Hardy that “a light sleeper is less vulnerable than a heavy sleeper” saying it was “illogical” because it ignored the sleeping women’s lack of awareness and protective instinct. 

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The criticism came after the Attorney General referred the case to the appeal court arguing the sentence imposed had been too low. 

Hewson, who previously lived in Norwich and Cromer, admitted possession of extreme porn but denied three sexual assaults, including assault by penetration, between August 2017 and December 2017. 

He was found guilty after a trial in February this year. 

Hewson was found guilty of sexual assault and assault by penetration after a trail at Norwich Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Paul Jarvis KC, representing the Attorney General, told the appeal hearing in London that being asleep meant his victims had been “particularly vulnerable” and they had been subject to “humiliation and degradation”.

On one occasion he climbed into bed naked with one woman before sexually assaulting her, while he masturbated over another as she slept.

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In defence, Charles Burton KC said: “One has to concede this was a lenient sentence but one that took account of powerful mitigation.”

He said Hewson had taken "significant steps" to address his offending behaviour including understanding consent and control. 

Increasing his sentence the appeal judges said Recorder Hardy had attempted to “manipulate the sentence to ensure the imposition of a more favourable release date and licence regime”. 

They added: “It was entirely inappropriate and an unwarranted interference in the legislative intent. These approaches have resulted in what we unquestioningly conclude is an unduly lenient sentence.”