REGINA v DENNIS BOWIE & Anor

REGINA v DENNIS BOWIE & Anor

The Court held that the sentencing judge was entitled to impose consecutive sentences for distinct offences of sexual communication and sexual activity with a child, even where both involved the same victim. The overall sentences were not manifestly excessive and properly reflected the gravity and totality of the offending.

Parties
Prosecution: Regina; Appellant: Dennis Bowie; Appellant: Alice McElhinney
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 January 2022
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeals dismissed
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences, Sentencing, Totality Principle, Child Protection
Criminal Law Sexual Offences Sentencing Totality Principle Child Protection

Case Brief

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Parties

Regina

Prosecution

Dennis Bowie

Appellant

Alice McElhinney

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether consecutive sentences imposed for sexual communication and sexual activity with a child were manifestly excessive
  2. 2 Whether the sentencing judge properly applied the principle of totality

Ratio Decidendi

The Court held that the sentencing judge was entitled to impose consecutive sentences for distinct offences of sexual communication and sexual activity with a child, even where both involved the same victim. The overall sentences were not manifestly excessive and properly reflected the gravity and totality of the offending.

Court Disposition

appeals dismissed

Orders

  • Appeals against sentence by Dennis Bowie and Alice McElhinney are dismissed.