Beddoes & Ors, R v

Beddoes & Ors, R v

The starting point of 23 years was excessive given the circumstances; a 20-year starting point after trial is appropriate for those most heavily involved. Sentences must reflect seriousness, harm, and deterrence, but also absence of intent to injure and actual injury.

Parties
Appellant: Kurt Richard Beddoes; Appellant: Craig Cartwright; Appellant: Ian Ellis; Appellant: Anthony Bushell; Appellant: Thomas Whittingham; Respondent: Regina
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
07 December 2015
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeals allowed in part; sentences reduced
Legal Topics
Conspiracy, Explosives, Burglary, Sentencing, Deterrence
Criminal Law Conspiracy Explosives Burglary Sentencing Deterrence

Case Brief

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Parties

Kurt Richard Beddoes

Appellant

Craig Cartwright

Appellant

Ian Ellis

Appellant

Anthony Bushell

Appellant

Thomas Whittingham

Appellant

Regina

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the starting point for sentencing was manifestly excessive
  2. 2 Appropriate sentencing for conspiracy to cause explosions and burglary of commercial premises
  3. 3 Assessment of individual roles and culpability

Ratio Decidendi

The starting point of 23 years was excessive given the circumstances; a 20-year starting point after trial is appropriate for those most heavily involved. Sentences must reflect seriousness, harm, and deterrence, but also absence of intent to injure and actual injury.

Court Disposition

appeals allowed in part; sentences reduced

Orders

  • Sentences imposed below quashed
  • Substituted concurrent sentences: Beddoes, 15 years and 7 years; Cartwright, 15 years and 7 years; Ellis, 11 years and 6 years; Bushell, 15 years and 7 years; Whittingham, 16 years and 7 years imprisonment