Williams, R. v

Williams, R. v

Deliberately driving at a police officer, with recognition of the risk of injury, constitutes a very grave offence of manslaughter with a high degree of culpability, justifying a severe sentence. The sentence imposed was not manifestly excessive given the circumstances and aggravating factors.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Respondent: Regina; Appellant: Clayton Ronald Williams
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
15 March 2017
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Manslaughter, Sentencing, Road Traffic Offences, Burglary, Aggravated Vehicle Taking, Death Resulting From Unlawful Act
Criminal Law Manslaughter Sentencing Road Traffic Offences Burglary Aggravated Vehicle Taking Death Resulting From Unlawful Act

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Parties

Regina

Respondent

Clayton Ronald Williams

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence for manslaughter was manifestly excessive
  2. 2 Appropriate sentencing principles for manslaughter arising from road traffic offending
  3. 3 Relationship between sentencing for manslaughter and murder

Ratio Decidendi

Deliberately driving at a police officer, with recognition of the risk of injury, constitutes a very grave offence of manslaughter with a high degree of culpability, justifying a severe sentence. The sentence imposed was not manifestly excessive given the circumstances and aggravating factors.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Sentence of 20 years' detention in a young offender institution for manslaughter upheld
  • Concurrent terms of 2 years for burglary and 8 years for aggravated vehicle taking resulting in death upheld