The King v Niall Lehd
Appeal against an extended custodial sentence of 24 years imprisonment with an extension period of 5 years – preparation of acts of terrorism - whether the sentencing judge had erred in principle by basing his approach on the guidelines as stated in R v Kahar [2016] EWCA Crim 568 rather than the SGC Guideline – whether NICA should formulate guidelines for sentencing of offences under section 5(1) of the Terrorism Act 2006 - whether the sentence is manifestly excessive– whether the judge erred in deciding that the appellant is dangerous - sentencing judge was not obliged to apply the SGC Guideline - the judge was entitled to base sentencing on R v Kahar in the absence of NICA guidance - no merit in the challenge to the starting point – no merit in the challenge to the judge’s assessment of mitigating factors – no error in the assessment of dangerousness – held not appropriate for NICA to formulate guidance for section 5(1) cases - sentencing judges at liberty in section 5 cases to consider R v Kahar and the SGC Guideline – appeal dismissed
[2022] NICA 51 McCloskey LJ