R v Alan Anthony Croft

R v Alan Anthony Croft

The sentencing judge erred by failing to make a downwards adjustment after imposing consecutive sentences for similar drug offences, resulting in a manifestly excessive overall sentence. The Court of Appeal reduced the total sentence to ensure it was just and proportionate in accordance with Totality Principles.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Alan Anthony Croft
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
12 November 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Totality Principles, Drug Offences
Criminal Law Sentencing Totality Principles Drug Offences

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Alan Anthony Croft

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentencing judge properly applied the Totality Principles when imposing consecutive sentences for drug offences
  2. 2 Whether the overall sentence was manifestly excessive

Ratio Decidendi

The sentencing judge erred by failing to make a downwards adjustment after imposing consecutive sentences for similar drug offences, resulting in a manifestly excessive overall sentence. The Court of Appeal reduced the total sentence to ensure it was just and proportionate in accordance with Totality Principles.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Sentences of 4 years 6 months under counts 1 and 2 of the October offending quashed and substituted with sentences of 3 years concurrent on each.
  • Total sentence reduced to 6 years 4 months imprisonment.