“This behaviour is downright unacceptable, and not something that we will ever allow in Lancashire,” Detective Constable Sarah Andrews said after the original Crown Court sentencing in November 2025. On 19 March 2026, appeal judges lengthened the term for 33-year-old Ionut Tanae of Nelson. (itv.com)

Following a referral by Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme, the Court of Appeal increased Tanae’s sentence to 12 years and one month. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed the decision on 19 March 2026. (gov.uk)

The court was told Tanae raped his victim on two occasions in Nelson, Pendle. He then broke into her home to push her to drop the case, and after being charged and remanded in custody wrote to her again trying to derail proceedings. (gov.uk)

In a statement to the court, the survivor described depression, anxiety and intense shame. The Solicitor General said the original term did not reflect the gravity of offending that included repeated rape and intimidation. (gov.uk)

Tanae was originally jailed at Preston Crown Court on 26 November 2025 for eight years and six months after convictions for two counts of rape, two of perverting the course of justice and one of burglary. (gov.uk)

Local coverage at the time reported a 15-year restraining order to protect the victim. Lancashire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team also branded him a “despicable rapist” who tried to bully a woman in her own home. (itv.com)

“No one should have to endure what the victim went through … I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision,” Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC said, commending the survivor’s bravery throughout the case. (gov.uk)

For context, the ULS scheme is widely used. In 2024 the Attorney General’s Office received 831 requests to review sentences; by 13 November 2025, that year’s total had already reached 846. Of 102 cases considered by the Court of Appeal, 59% were increased. (questions-statements.parliament.uk)

Support is available in Lancashire. The SAFE Centre at Royal Preston Hospital runs a 24/7 service on 01772 523344 (office hours) and 01772 716565 (out of hours), and Rape Crisis England & Wales operates a 24/7 Support Line on 0808 500 2222. If you’re in immediate danger, call 999. (lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk)