James Wheatley-Taylor from Daventry in West Northamptonshire has had his sentence increased from five years to an extended nine-year term, including five years in prison and a four-year extended license, following a referral by the Solicitor General to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
The court heard that Wheatley-Taylor assaulted his ex-partner in her Hartlepool home on 10 April 2025, squeezing her neck and restricting her breathing for forty seconds. Later that month, he attempted to set fire to her flat after she asked him to leave, resulting in burns to her hand. Prior to these incidents, Wheatley-Taylor had smashed the victim’s windows. He has a record of 21 convictions for 31 offences, including prior domestic violence cases.
In her Victim Personal Statement, the woman explained that the abuse has affected her mental health and left her struggling to trust people.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said that Wheatley-Taylor is a violent offender who has caused significant harm. She commended the victim’s bravery and reiterated her commitment to tackling domestic abuse across the UK.
Originally sentenced on 3 December at Grimsby Crown Court to five years for criminal damage, intentional strangulation, and arson offences, Wheatley-Taylor also received a 10-year restraining order. The Court of Appeal’s decision on 31 March 2026 extends his sentence to nine years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing need to protect victims from domestic violence.
For the Nigerian and wider diaspora community in the UK, this case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of domestic abuse. It highlights the importance of supporting victims, raising awareness, and encouraging communities to engage with local authorities to prevent violence.