The King v Noel David Quigley
Appeal of a three year sentence with leave of the single judge – attempted wounding with intent to cause GBH – AOABH – offences committed against a police officer – key issue was whether the court should have reduced culpability on the basis of mental health difficulties - the general principle that a deterrent sentence not only enhances the appropriate starting point, it diminishes the impact of personal circumstances is not a rigid, inflexible rule (paragraph [33]) - court endorsed the approach in R v Doran [1995] NIJB 75 that mental illness is not an automatic reason for reducing the sentence imposed for a criminal offence and each case must be assessed on its facts (paras [39] – [42]) – judge correct to find that there could be no reduction in culpability – high culpability – low harm – suspended sentence not appropriate despite rehabilitative efforts – three year sentence approved - appeal dismissed.
[2025] NICA 6 Keegan LCJ