Sentencing guidelines - Violent Offences

4 results

05 December 2022

The King v ZB

Guidance provided on sentencing for two equally serious offences on a concurrent basis applying the totality principle - GBH with intent – sexual assault by penetration of a 12 day old baby – sentence of 19 years imprisonment plus an extended period five years - whether manifestly excessive – starting point – dangerousness - culpability and harm high – whether premeditation – no mitigation save for guilty pleas – sentence not manifestly excessive – exceptional circumstances – appellant provided no explanation or offered remorse – appeal dismissed.

[2022] NICA 69 Keegan LCJ

26 October 2022

The King v Filippo Sangermano

actual bodily harm – stabbing with nail scissors – whether sentence manifestly excessive and/or wrong – whether level of culpability unsupported by basis of plea – finding of dangerous – whether VOPO necessary – terms of extended custodial sentence licence – right to a fair trial – burden of proof on prosecution in sentencing process – compilation of pre-sentence reports – duties owed by counsel to sentencing court – emphasis on the importance of the accuracy of the basis of plea document – court adopted the principles in R v Cairns [2013] EWCA Crim 467 - appeal allowed.

[2022] NICA62 Fowler J , McBride J , McCloskey LJ

07 March 2022

Queen v Niall Shebani

unlawfully displaying force and making an affray - grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon – whether starting point too high - 33 previous criminal convictions in Republic of Ireland - medium likelihood of reoffending - knife – whether starting point of nine years is excessive - judge may have incorrectly described it as a starting point - significant aggravating factors - duration of incident limited - sentence not manifestly excessive – appeal dismissed

[2022] NICA 9 McFarland J

07 March 2022

Queen v Christopher Hughes

guidance in relation to sentencing in cases involving multiple incidents of domestic violence - Using motor vehicle without insurance, Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, Common assault, Attempted criminal damage, Possession of an offensive weapon - other convictions and caution for common assault against mother and partner - pending prosecutions in Republic of Ireland - consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors together to reach starting point prior to discount for plea - overall not manifestly excessive - appeal dismissed.

[2022] NICA 12 Keegan LCJ