Emma Handley secures suspended sentence for client charged with kidnapping.

On 16^th October, 2024, Emma Handley appeared in Sheffield Crown Court to pursue a suspended sentence for her Defendant, who was charged with kidnapping. Our barrister was instructed by Norrie Waite & Slater Solicitors.

The Case

The kidnapping, which involved four other defendants, took place when the Defendant and victim were aged 16 years old. The kidnapping involved the victim being assaulted and placed in the boot of the car.

Making reference to her Defendant’s basis of plea, Emma highlighted that the Defendant had worn a neck covering and was unarmed during the kidnapping, unlike the other four defendants who had been wearing balaclavas and were armed with various ‘metal tools’.

In addition to citing the remorse the Defendant had demonstrated to the author of their pre-sentence report, Emma drew attention to their willingness to defer their university place while awaiting sentencing, as well as the three jobs and HGV license they had acquired in the interim.

The Result

By referencing the Defendant’s positive behaviour since the offence, in addition to the age of their age and the delay between the offending, the trial, and the sentencing, Emma managed to persuade the Judge to draw back from the imposition of immediate custody.

To read more, find an article covering this case on The Star.

Emma practises in serious and complex crime. She has extensive experience prosecuting and defending in cases involving organised crime, drug offences, fraud and serious violence.

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