R v Christopher Cartwright

R v Christopher Cartwright

The sentence imposed was manifestly excessive because the uplift for previous convictions was too great and insufficient allowance was made for the significant mitigating factor of delay. An appropriate sentence after trial was twelve-and-a-half years, reduced by 25% for the guilty plea to nine years four months.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Christopher Cartwright
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Sentence Appeal
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Conspiracy to Supply Drugs, Mitigation, Aggravating Factors, Guilty Plea Credit
Criminal Law Sentencing Conspiracy to Supply Drugs Mitigation Aggravating Factors Guilty Plea Credit

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Christopher Cartwright

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Sentence Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive given the aggravating and mitigating factors
  2. 2 Whether sufficient weight was given to delay and personal mitigation
  3. 3 Whether the uplift for previous convictions was disproportionate

Ratio Decidendi

The sentence imposed was manifestly excessive because the uplift for previous convictions was too great and insufficient allowance was made for the significant mitigating factor of delay. An appropriate sentence after trial was twelve-and-a-half years, reduced by 25% for the guilty plea to nine years four months.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Sentence of 10 years six months' imprisonment quashed
  • Substituted sentence of nine years four months' imprisonment