Hartlepool Teen Rapist Has Sentence Extended After Appeal
- teessidetoday
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Dominic Legg was originally sentenced to Five years & Nine Months in custody for a number of sexual offences, however he's now had that sentence INCREASED after the Attorney General Stepped in....
12th Feb 2025
A Hartlepool teenager who was convicted of a series of horrific sexual offences has had his sentence increased following a Court of Appeal ruling.
Dominic Legg, 19, was originally sentenced back in November 2024 to five years and nine months in a young offenders’ institution after being found guilty of 13 sexual offences, including rape.
However, prosecutors recently argued the punishment handed out by Teesside District Judge Chris Smith was 'too lenient' given the severity of his crimes. On Thursday, 6th February, the Court of Appeal agreed, increasing Legg's sentence to eight years behind bars.
Legg will now reportedly spend the better part of a decade in a young offenders’ institution and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life. In addition, he has been hit with indefinite restraining orders to ensure he has no contact with his victims, however the questions over his apparent 'lenient' sentence handed down originally has led to some uncomfortable questions relating to the potential misconduct of a Teesside Judge, who's facing calls to step down.
It comes after Teesside Today understands District Judge Chris Smith spared a 17-year-old from jail back in June 2024, despite the youth being found guilty of burgling two homes in Stockton-on-Tees, where its claimed during one of the incidents, the teen reportedly carried a “sharp implement” and confronted a woman in her home before fleeing.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the 17 year old males crimes, DJ Smith described the teenager as a “bright and capable lad” who could potentially inspire others. Imposing a custodial sentence, Judge Smith reportedly 'warned' him telling the boy, “Don’t play the lottery for a few months because all your luck has run out today.” This decision was said to have raised eyebrows, with critics accusing the judge of having a “soft spot” for young offenders and prioritising rehabilitation over justice for victims....
In regards to Legg's crimes, Detective Inspector Lou Sproson of Hartlepool CID welcomed the ruling, at the court of appeal stating:"This outcome reflects the gravity of Legg’s crimes and is a relief to both the victims and our investigative team. Our priority is always to seek justice for victims, and we remain committed to ensuring they receive the support and closure they deserve."
Authorities continue to urge victims of sexual offences to come forward, reassuring them that their cases will be taken seriously. Reports can be made to Cleveland Police via 101 or their website. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted at 0800 555 111.
Teesside Today has also been made aware that currently no action is being taken against the District judge who handed down the apparent 'lenient' sentence & remains in his post to fail other victims of crime eroding further public trust in whats claimed to be Teessides 'broken' judicial system.
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