Return to normal view

Media Release - 08 July 2008 - Leigh Youlten

The Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Jeremy Rapke QC, today announced that he will appeal to the Victorian Court of Appeal against the inadequacy of the sentence recently imposed on Leigh Youlten.

Between 2005 and 2007, Youlten subjected more than 20 victims, including elderly ladies living alone and in retirement villages in the Kilsyth area, to various sexual offences which included the rapes of a 74-year old and an 89-year old. Youlten pleaded guilty to a total of 46 charges.

On 17 June 2008, Youlten was sentenced by a judge in the County Court to a total of 17 years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 14 years, for numerous sexual offences.

Announcing his decision today to appeal against that sentence, Mr. Rapke said "I do not believe that the seriousness of the offending in this case is sufficiently reflected in the sentences imposed and thus I have decided to take this matter to the Court of Appeal. I will seek the imposition of higher sentences for various individual offences and I will also seek the imposition of a higher overall sentence".

"My decision to appeal in this case is consistent with my policy to bring appeals in cases in which, in my view, the sentence imposed is manifestly inadequate and it is in the public interest to appeal. In this particular case I am mindful of the fact that the offending extended over several years, involved very serious sexual offences against more than 20 individual victims, and that many of the victims were elderly and vulnerable members of our community", said Mr. Rapke.

It is expected that the appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal later this year.

Any queries should be directed to the Office of Public Prosecutions Media Liaison Unit.