ALMOST 100 criminals had their original sentences increased in the last year after challenges they were too lenient.

One of those cases was the high-profile Bradford case of teenage killer Sheryar Khan who murdered 19-year-old Kian Tordoff in a shocking knife attack.

Khan was originally sentenced to 16 year’s imprisonment – and this was increased by three years after the Court of Appeal found it to be unduly lenient.

Figures released as part of the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme annual statistics for 2022 show that the Attorney General’s Office received 1,179 cases to review nationally.

A total of 139 cases were referred to the Court of Appeal, and in 95 of those cases, the sentence was increased.

In Bradford, of a total of nine cases referred to the Court of Appeal, covering offences such as robbery, rape and murder, a total of three ended with the sentence being increased.

Following an altercation in Bradford City Centre involving Sheryar Khan’s brother in October 2021, Khan returned with his brother and others armed with knives and machetes.

Khan chased and fatally stabbed Kian Tordoff before chasing and stabbing Matthew Page, who survived the attack.

He was found guilty of murder and wounding with intent in July 2022, with the Court of Appeal hearing taking three months later in October.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: How the T&A reporter on the case of Royston Thomas and Aaron BonnerHow the T&A reporter on the case of Royston Thomas and Aaron Bonner (Image: Newsquest)

The other two criminals with increased sentences, were Royston Thomas and Aaron Bonner who carried out a terrifying robbery at a hair salon in Brighouse in December 2018.

The pair demanded money and assaulted the owner of Fresh Hair Salon in Bonegate Road, stealing £100.

When an elderly customer attempted to leave the salon to find help, she was shoved to the floor by one of the offenders and suffered a fractured hip and bruising. The other man stole her handbag.

Bonner’s sentence was increased by one year to 6 years’ imprisonment, while Thomas saw his sentence increased by two years to 8 years’ imprisonment with a 3-year extended licence.

Under the ULS scheme, anybody can ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed if they believe it is too low.

However, there is a strict criteria as only certain offences are considered and referrals to the Attorney General’s Office must be made within 28 days of the sentence.

The Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP said: “The scheme is a vital pillar of criminal justice and shows there is a robust system to make sure criminals are suitably punished for their actions.”