A guy, Arbri Baja, convicted of rape in 2023 has been sentenced to five years in jail after his appeal against the initial hospital order was successfully overruled.
Arbri Baja, 25, (DOB: 07/04/1999), of Epsom, was apprehended in May 2021 due to the survivor’s statement regarding the incident that transpired at a location in Epsom on 30 April 2021.
Arbri Baja was subsequently charged via postal requisition on 27 May 2022.
After an extensive investigation, incorporating forensic analysis, Arbri Baja was convicted of rape on 22 August 2023 at Guildford Crown Court.
In September 2024, Arbri Baja received a section 37 Hospital Order pursuant to the Mental Health Act.
Subsequent to a hearing on Thursday, 6 March, the Court of Appeal deemed the hospital order excessively mild, imposing a term of five years’ imprisonment on Arbri Baja, along with three years on extended licence.
The brave survivor of this offence said: “It is simply impossible to describe what I have been through; I’d love to talk about awareness all day, but most won’t read past the first two lines.
“For now, I’d like to say to those who are or have been struggling – stay gentle and kind looking after yourself, never doubt yourself, it may take some years, and it can be scary but the feeling of justice and watching those get what they deserve overrides all.
“My therapist previously told me something that filled me with strength and I hope in sharing, it can do the same to others. They told me ‘To be a Victor, not a Victim’.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me from Surrey Police including the prosecution team and Witness Care, the volunteers, my therapist, family, friends and everyone in my corner. We did it and others are now protected.”
Victim and Witness Care Officer Alice Holloway said: “This decision is a monumental one for the survivor and her family and means she can finally start re-building her life.
“We urge all victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.”
For more information and advice, please click here: https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.