Reduction in sentence because of poor mental health
A sentence of two years’ imprisonment was appropriate for a ‘career burglar’ who had broken into a phone shop and stolen cash and mobile phones. Despite not pleading guilty at the magistrates’ court, the offender was entitled to a full reduction of one-third in light of his subsequent plea, given that he suffered from moderately severe depression and had been in very poor emotional shape when he appeared before the magistrates.
Frances Pencheon submitted to the Judge that the appellant should have been allowed full credit of one-third for his guilty plea. She also argued that the judge’s starting point of 40 months after trial was manifestly excessive.
The appeal was allowed.
JUDGMENT DATE: 21st January 2020: R v Woods (Stephen George)
