Majid, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 112 (27 January 2026)

Majid, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 112 (27 January 2026)

The judge was entitled to apply a 25-year starting point under Schedule 21, para 4(2) of the Sentencing Act 2020, as the appellant took the knife to the scene intending to have it available for use as a weapon, consistent with the jury's verdict. However, the aggravating factor of planning or premeditation was not supported by the evidence or the jury's verdict, and the weight given to other aggravating factors was excessive. The minimum term should be reduced to 22 years and 137 days after accounting for aggravating and mitigating factors.

Citation
[2026] EWCA Crim 112
Parties
Respondent: Rex; Appellant: Haseeb Majid
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment on Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed in part
Legal Topics
Murder, Sentencing, Minimum Term, Jury Verdict, Aggravating and Mitigating Factors
Criminal Law Murder Sentencing Minimum Term Jury Verdict Aggravating and Mitigating Factors

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Respondent

Haseeb Majid

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment on Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentencing judge's findings of fact were inconsistent with the jury's verdict on possession of a bladed article
  2. 2 Whether the statutory starting point for the minimum term was correctly identified
  3. 3 Whether the minimum term imposed was manifestly excessive

Ratio Decidendi

The judge was entitled to apply a 25-year starting point under Schedule 21, para 4(2) of the Sentencing Act 2020, as the appellant took the knife to the scene intending to have it available for use as a weapon, consistent with the jury's verdict. However, the aggravating factor of planning or premeditation was not supported by the evidence or the jury's verdict, and the weight given to other aggravating factors was excessive. The minimum term should be reduced to 22 years and 137 days after accounting for aggravating and mitigating factors.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed in part

Orders

  • Minimum term reduced to 22 years and 137 days (23 years less 228 days served on remand)