Christopher Donaldson v R

Christopher Donaldson v R

The judge's starting point and uplifts for the minimum term were justified by the circumstances, including aggravating factors and the applicant's criminal record. The minimum term of 24 years was not manifestly excessive and the grounds of appeal were not arguable.

Parties
Appellant: Christopher Donaldson; Respondent: Rex
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Permission to Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
application for permission to appeal refused
Legal Topics
Murder, Wounding With Intent, Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, Sentencing, Minimum Term, Totality Principle
Criminal Law Murder Wounding With Intent Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm Sentencing Minimum Term Totality Principle

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Parties

Christopher Donaldson

Appellant

Rex

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Permission to Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the starting point for the minimum term for murder was too high
  2. 2 Whether the judge failed to have sufficient regard to the principle of totality
  3. 3 Whether the minimum term imposed was manifestly excessive

Ratio Decidendi

The judge's starting point and uplifts for the minimum term were justified by the circumstances, including aggravating factors and the applicant's criminal record. The minimum term of 24 years was not manifestly excessive and the grounds of appeal were not arguable.

Court Disposition

application for permission to appeal refused

Orders

  • Application for permission to appeal against sentence is refused.