Williamson, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 548 (23 April 2026)

Williamson, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 548 (23 April 2026)

Although the offences were best categorised as B2 rather than A2 under the Guideline, the total sentence imposed was not manifestly excessive given the number of offences, aggravating features, and the need for a proportionate sentence reflecting the overall criminality.

Citation
[2026] EWCA Crim 548
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Daniel Williamson
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
23 April 2026
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Blackmail, Sentencing Guidelines, Appeal Against Sentence, Concurrent Sentences, Aggravating and Mitigating Factors
Criminal Law Blackmail Sentencing Guidelines Appeal Against Sentence Concurrent Sentences Aggravating and Mitigating Factors

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Daniel Williamson

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentencing judge misapplied the Sentencing Council Guideline on Blackmail by categorising the offences as Category A2 instead of B2
  2. 2 Whether the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive given the facts and mitigation

Ratio Decidendi

Although the offences were best categorised as B2 rather than A2 under the Guideline, the total sentence imposed was not manifestly excessive given the number of offences, aggravating features, and the need for a proportionate sentence reflecting the overall criminality.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Order under section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 prohibiting publication of information likely to identify the ten complainants until further order