A violent stalker has had his original sentence of 12 months increased to three years after a hearing before the Court of Appeal.
Liam Goodenough, who has appeared on YouTube channel AFTV numerous times ranting about Arsenal Football Club, stalked his former partner as she went on a date.
The 42-year-old sent the woman's brother messages threatening suicide and demanding to know the location she was at.
Using a tracking feature on her phone, Goodenough drove to the hotel the victim was staying at and verbally abused her, as well as assaulting her companion. He then proceeded to photograph her in a state of undress.
Goodenough dragged the victim out of the hotel room to his car, suggesting he had a knife and that her son was in the vehicle.
However, when she realised that her son was not in the car she tried to escape. A bystander intervened and the victim was able to get out of the car, while Goodenough escaped.
The defendant was convicted of stalking involving serious alarm or distress, and kidnapping.
On 5 November 2021, at Aylesbury Crown Court, he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. He was also handed a restraining order for a period of 10 years.
Following the sentencing, the Solicitor General referred Goodenough’s case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.
On 13 January the Court of Appeal found his original sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to three years’ imprisonment.
Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP said: "Goodenough subjected the victim to a shocking and frightening ordeal. I referred his sentence because I considered it did not reflect the gravity of the offending and was unduly lenient. I am glad that the Court of Appeal agrees."
According to the CPS, Unduly Lenient Sentencing hearings take place 'when it falls outside the range of sentences which the judge, applying his mind to all the relevant factors, could reasonably consider appropriate. In that connection, regard must of course be had to reported cases and in particular to the guidance given by this Court from time to time in the so-called guideline cases.'
The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) provides a free service for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence to apply for an emergency court injunction. You can find more information on their website here.
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/AFTV
Rebecca Shepherd