Singh & Anor, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1409 (15 October 2025)

Singh & Anor, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1409 (15 October 2025)

The sentence was unduly lenient because the offending was properly categorised as category 1A, involving severe psychological harm and two offenders acting together, and the aggravating factors (victim's age, being alone, in her own home and bedroom) were not adequately reflected in the sentence. The appropriate sentence should have been 4 years, not 30 months.

Citation
[2025] EWCA Crim 1409
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Respondent Offender: Navjot Singh; Respondent Offender: Sadnam Singh
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
15 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Attorney General's Reference (criminal) / Court of Appeal Judgment on Unduly Lenient Sentence Reference
Outcome
Reference allowed in respect of Navjot Singh; sentence increased.
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences, Sentencing, Unduly Lenient Sentences, Attorney General's Reference
Criminal Law Sexual Offences Sentencing Unduly Lenient Sentences Attorney General's Reference

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Navjot Singh

Respondent Offender

Sadnam Singh

Respondent Offender

Procedural Posture

Attorney General's Reference (criminal) / Court of Appeal Judgment on Unduly Lenient Sentence Reference

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed for sexual assault was unduly lenient under section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988
  2. 2 Correct categorisation of the offence under the Sentencing Guidelines for sexual assault

Ratio Decidendi

The sentence was unduly lenient because the offending was properly categorised as category 1A, involving severe psychological harm and two offenders acting together, and the aggravating factors (victim's age, being alone, in her own home and bedroom) were not adequately reflected in the sentence. The appropriate sentence should have been 4 years, not 30 months.

Court Disposition

Reference allowed in respect of Navjot Singh; sentence increased.

Orders

  • Navjot Singh's sentence on count 4 increased from 30 months to 4 years (48 months) imprisonment.
  • Count 3 to remain concurrent as before.