Hardy, R. v [2010] EWHC 1064 (QB) (14 May 2010)

Hardy, R. v [2010] EWHC 1064 (QB) (14 May 2010)

Given the murder of three women, involving sexual and sadistic conduct, and the extreme gravity of the offences, a whole life order is necessary to meet the requirements of retribution and deterrence. Mitigating factors such as guilty pleas and mental disorder carry little weight in this context.

Citation
[2010] EWHC 1064
Parties
Prosecution: The Queen; Defendant: Anthony John Hardy
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
14 May 2010
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentencing and Minimum Term Determination
Outcome
whole life order imposed; no possibility of release on licence
Legal Topics
Murder, Sentencing, Whole Life Order, Minimum Term, Release on Licence
Criminal Law Murder Sentencing Whole Life Order Minimum Term Release on Licence

Case Brief

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Parties

The Queen

Prosecution

Anthony John Hardy

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing and Minimum Term Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a minimum term should be set for the defendant's life sentences or a whole life order imposed
  2. 2 Whether the requirements of retribution and deterrence necessitate a whole life order

Ratio Decidendi

Given the murder of three women, involving sexual and sadistic conduct, and the extreme gravity of the offences, a whole life order is necessary to meet the requirements of retribution and deterrence. Mitigating factors such as guilty pleas and mental disorder carry little weight in this context.

Court Disposition

whole life order imposed; no possibility of release on licence

Orders

  • A whole life order is made; the defendant shall never be released from prison.