Messent, R. v
The sentence imposed was within the appropriate range for serious corporate corruption involving government officials; commercial corruption is not less culpable than political corruption in this context; the judge gave proper credit for mitigation and the guilty plea; the appeal against sentence is dismissed.
- Parties
- Prosecution: Regina; Appellant: Julian Jeffrey Messent
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 01 March 2011
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
- Outcome
- appeal dismissed
- Legal Topics
- Corruption, Bribery, Sentencing, Company Director Disqualification, Compensation Orders
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Regina
Prosecution
Julian Jeffrey Messent
Appellant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
Legal Issues
- 1 whether the sentence imposed for corruption was excessive
- 2 whether commercial corruption is less culpable than political corruption
- 3 whether the sentencing judge applied the correct principles
Ratio Decidendi
The sentence imposed was within the appropriate range for serious corporate corruption involving government officials; commercial corruption is not less culpable than political corruption in this context; the judge gave proper credit for mitigation and the guilty plea; the appeal against sentence is dismissed.
Court Disposition
appeal dismissed
Orders
- sentence of 21 months' imprisonment on each count to run concurrently upheld
- disqualification for five years under section 2 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 upheld
Full Case Text
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