Roberts, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 494 (26 March 2026)

Roberts, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 494 (26 March 2026)

The sentence of 27 months was excessive as it did not sufficiently account for the appellant's mitigation and lack of previous convictions; a sentence of 15 months' immediate custody was appropriate given the seriousness of the offence and aggravating features, but suspension was not justified.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2026] EWCA Crim 494
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Bradley Roberts
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 March 2026
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed; sentence reduced
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Drug Offences, Appeal Against Sentence
Criminal Law Sentencing Drug Offences Appeal Against Sentence

Source-derived case record

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 2 Authorities cited 1 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 10
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Bradley Roberts

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence of 27 months' imprisonment for possession with intent to supply ketamine was manifestly excessive given the mitigation and circumstances.

Ratio Decidendi

The sentence of 27 months was excessive as it did not sufficiently account for the appellant's mitigation and lack of previous convictions; a sentence of 15 months' immediate custody was appropriate given the seriousness of the offence and aggravating features, but suspension was not justified.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed; sentence reduced

Orders

  • Sentence of 27 months' custody quashed and replaced with 15 months' immediate imprisonment.
  • Statutory surcharge reduced from £228 to £187.