Northern Ireland

Man who tortured and sexually abused former friend has sentence reduced

Darren Fu has had his sentence for torturing and sexually abusing a former teenage friend reduced from 11 to nine years
Darren Fu has had his sentence for torturing and sexually abusing a former teenage friend reduced from 11 to nine years Darren Fu has had his sentence for torturing and sexually abusing a former teenage friend reduced from 11 to nine years

A 20-YEAR-OLD man jailed for torturing and sexually abusing his former teenage friend has had his sentence reduced.

Senior judges cut Darren Fu's term from 11 to nine years - half to be served behind bars and half on licence - after ruling that the starting point in the sentencing process was too high.

They also held that a disparity with the six years imposed on an accomplice involved in tying up and humiliating their victim called for a reduction.

Fu, formerly of Drumart Walk in Belfast, subjected Aodhan Woods, then aged 17, to an ordeal lasting several hours at a flat in the Stranmillis area of the city in May 2014.

The teenager, who bravely waived his anonymity to encourage other abuse victims to come forward, was bound, locked in a cupboard and subjected to several sex assaults.

Fu pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, rape and two counts of sexual assault.

Ruling on his appeal against his sentence yesterday, Mr Justice Colton said the starting point taken in the sentencing process should be reserved for the most severe cases of rape occurring over many years.