McSweeney, R. v [2023] EWCA Crim 1250 (03 November 2023)

McSweeney, R. v [2023] EWCA Crim 1250 (03 November 2023)

The minimum term of 38 years after credit for guilty plea was manifestly excessive because the uplift from the statutory starting point of 30 years was too great, given the aggravating and mitigating factors properly found. The correct minimum term, after maximum credit for guilty plea, is 33 years.

Citation
[2023] EWCA Crim 1250
Parties
Appellant: Jordan McSweeney; Respondent: Rex
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
03 November 2023
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Murder, Sexual Assault, Sentencing, Minimum Term, Aggravating Factors, Mitigating Factors, Guilty Plea Credit

Case Brief

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Parties

Jordan McSweeney

Appellant

Rex

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

  1. 1 Whether the minimum term of 38 years (after credit for guilty plea) for murder was manifestly excessive
  2. 2 Whether the sentencing judge erred in assessing aggravating and mitigating factors
  3. 3 Whether the correct credit for guilty plea was applied

Ratio Decidendi

The minimum term of 38 years after credit for guilty plea was manifestly excessive because the uplift from the statutory starting point of 30 years was too great, given the aggravating and mitigating factors properly found. The correct minimum term, after maximum credit for guilty plea, is 33 years.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Minimum term of 38 years for murder quashed and substituted with 33 years.
  • Victim surcharge increased from £187 to £228.