Welsh, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 595 (17 April 2026)

Welsh, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 595 (17 April 2026)

The sentence was not manifestly excessive given the seriousness, intensity, and impact of the offending, the presence of multiple category A factors, and the appellant's criminal history. The credit for guilty plea was appropriate due to the timing of the plea. The disqualification period was clarified and adjusted to comply with statutory requirements and prior orders.

Citation
[2026] EWCA Crim 595
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Andrew Welsh
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 April 2026
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Dangerous Driving, Driving Whilst Disqualified, Sentencing Guidelines, Domestic Abuse
Criminal Law Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Dangerous Driving Driving Whilst Disqualified Sentencing Guidelines Domestic Abuse

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 6 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 4
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Andrew Welsh

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed for controlling or coercive behaviour, dangerous driving, and driving whilst disqualified was manifestly excessive
  2. 2 Whether the sentencing judge erred in categorising the offence and applying aggravating and mitigating factors
  3. 3 Whether sufficient credit was given for guilty pleas

Ratio Decidendi

The sentence was not manifestly excessive given the seriousness, intensity, and impact of the offending, the presence of multiple category A factors, and the appellant's criminal history. The credit for guilty plea was appropriate due to the timing of the plea. The disqualification period was clarified and adjusted to comply with statutory requirements and prior orders.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Appeal against sentence dismissed
  • Disqualification from driving clarified: 4 years for dangerous driving (count 7), 2 years concurrent for driving whilst disqualified (count 6), 7 months 15 days extension (counts 6 and 7), 13 months 15 days uplift (count 2), total 68 months 30 days