Peterborough, England — A woman sentenced for murder after stabbing a man during a sexual assault has lost her appeal to reduce her prison term. Martyna Ogonowska, now in her early twenties, was convicted in 2019 for the fatal stabbing of Filip Jaskiewicz, 23, in a car park. She claimed to have carried a knife for her protection.
During her sentencing, Judge Farrell QC acknowledged that Jaskiewicz assaulted Ogonowska prior to his death. However, he ruled that her actions did not meet the legal definition of self-defense, particularly because she brought the knife with her. Judge Farrell highlighted Ogonowska’s experiences with mental health issues and past trauma, but he determined that these factors did not justify her lethal response.
On Friday, the Court of Appeal rejected Ogonowska’s plea to reduce her 17-year sentence, previously upheld during a 2023 conviction appeal. Her legal team argued that a minimum term of 12 to 13 years would have been more appropriate, considering her circumstances.
Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, in his ruling, stated that while the sentence was heavy for someone so young, it was justified based on the seriousness of the crime. He emphasized that the judge’s decision to impose the sentence was not manifestly excessive, despite the personal challenges Ogonowska faced.
The case has drawn significant attention, especially regarding Ogonowska’s previous trauma. Prosecutors noted that she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to earlier abuse at age 14, an ordeal that led to her alleged rapist not being charged. During her trial, the narrative surrounding her earlier assault complicated perceptions of her actions during the stabbing.
Advocacy groups have expressed concern over Ogonowska’s treatment within the justice system. Justice for Women characterized her as a victim of systemic biases, with calls from legal experts for a reevaluation of how cases involving sexual assault allegations are prosecuted, particularly when the victim is later portrayed as a defendant.
However, Judge Farrell’s assessment of Ogonowska’s circumstances was upheld by the appellate court, which recognized that the trial judge had appropriately considered her mental health when determining culpability. Stuart-Smith remarked on the judge’s difficult but necessary decisions and affirmed the integrity of the trial’s findings.
The emotional weight of Ogonowska’s background and the complexities of the legal proceedings have sparked dialogue about legal protections for victims of trauma. As the judicial system grapples with cases like hers, advocates continue to push for reforms that address the intersection of mental health and justice for those affected by violence.