Webb, R. v

Webb, R. v

Given the substantial mitigation, including the applicant's mental health, age, previous good character, and the unique circumstances closely resembling assisted suicide, the sentence should be reduced to twelve months' imprisonment suspended for twelve months with supervision.

Parties
Prosecution: Regina; Applicant: George Hugh Webb
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 January 2011
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Manslaughter, Diminished Responsibility, Mercy Killing, Sentencing, Assisted Suicide
Criminal Law Manslaughter Diminished Responsibility Mercy Killing Sentencing Assisted Suicide

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 3 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 3
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Regina

Prosecution

George Hugh Webb

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed for manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility was excessive given the mitigation.
  2. 2 Whether the circumstances amounted to assisted suicide or unlawful killing.
  3. 3 Appropriate sentencing principles for mercy killings with diminished responsibility.

Ratio Decidendi

Given the substantial mitigation, including the applicant's mental health, age, previous good character, and the unique circumstances closely resembling assisted suicide, the sentence should be reduced to twelve months' imprisonment suspended for twelve months with supervision.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Sentence reduced to twelve months' imprisonment suspended for twelve months.
  • Supervision order for twelve months under the responsible officer assigned to the local justice area of Rotherham.