Singh & Ors, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 785 (24 June 2025)

Singh & Ors, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 785 (24 June 2025)

The sentences for Ladeaga and Aidoo were unduly lenient because the statutory minimum for firearms offences should have been applied to the conspiracy charges in the absence of exceptional circumstances. For Adepoju, exceptional circumstances justified a sentence below the minimum. The sentences for Orogun, Singh, and Ayanleye, while lenient, were not outside the range open to a reasonable judge and did not amount to gross error.

Citation
[2025] EWCA Crim 785
Parties
Prosecution: The King; Defendant: Karan Singh; Defendant: Stephen Ayanleye; Defendant: Dafe Orogun; Defendant: Bryan Aidoo; Defendant: Roqeeb Ladeaga; Defendant: Gabriel Adepoju
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 June 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal (reference Under S.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988) / Court of Appeal Judgment on Unduly Lenient Sentence Reference
Outcome
Partially allowed
Legal Topics
Firearms Offences, Conspiracy, Sentencing, Perverting the Course of Justice, Possession of Bladed Article, Unduly Lenient Sentences
Criminal Law Firearms Offences Conspiracy Sentencing Perverting the Course of Justice Possession of Bladed Article Unduly Lenient Sentences

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 4 Authorities cited 7 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 13
Sign in to unlock

Parties

The King

Prosecution

Karan Singh

Defendant

Stephen Ayanleye

Defendant

Dafe Orogun

Defendant

Bryan Aidoo

Defendant

Roqeeb Ladeaga

Defendant

Gabriel Adepoju

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal (reference Under S.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988) / Court of Appeal Judgment on Unduly Lenient Sentence Reference

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentences imposed for conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life or cause fear of violence, and for perverting the course of justice, were unduly lenient
  2. 2 Whether the statutory minimum sentence for firearms offences should be applied to conspiracy charges
  3. 3 Whether exceptional circumstances justified sentences below the statutory minimum

Ratio Decidendi

The sentences for Ladeaga and Aidoo were unduly lenient because the statutory minimum for firearms offences should have been applied to the conspiracy charges in the absence of exceptional circumstances. For Adepoju, exceptional circumstances justified a sentence below the minimum. The sentences for Orogun, Singh, and Ayanleye, while lenient, were not outside the range open to a reasonable judge and did not amount to gross error.

Court Disposition

Partially allowed

Orders

  • Application for leave to refer all six cases granted.
  • Ladeaga: sentence of 4.5 years quashed and substituted with 5 years.