ARBRI BAJA FROM EPSOM SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR RAPE AFTER HOSPITAL ORDER OVERTURNED

A man from Epsom, Arbri Baja, has been sentenced to five years in prison after a series of legal proceedings that culminated in his conviction for rape. Baja, aged 25, was initially subject to a section 37 Hospital Order under the Mental Health Act, which was intended to provide treatment and supervision within a hospital setting. However, this order was ultimately overturned by the Court of Appeal, leading to a more severe custodial sentence.

The case against Baja began to unfold in May 2021, when he was arrested following a statement provided by the survivor of the assault. The incident took place at an address in Epsom on April 30, 2021. The survivor’s courage in coming forward played a crucial role in initiating the investigation that eventually led to Baja’s arrest and subsequent charges.

On May 27, 2022, Baja was formally charged via postal requisition, marking the beginning of a lengthy legal process. The investigation incorporated forensic evidence and other investigative techniques, which contributed to Baja’s conviction. The trial was held at Guildford Crown Court, where the jury found him guilty of the crime on August 22, 2023.

Following his conviction, Baja was initially sentenced in September 2024 to a section 37 Hospital Order under the Mental Health Act, reflecting the court’s assessment of his mental health needs. However, this decision was challenged, and on Thursday, March 6, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case. The appellate court deemed the hospital order to be unduly lenient and instead imposed a custodial sentence of five years in prison, along with an additional three years on extended license, to ensure ongoing supervision after release.

The survivor, who demonstrated remarkable bravery throughout the ordeal, shared a heartfelt message. She expressed the profound impact of her experience, stating, “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’.”