Bergstrom, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1301 (09 September 2025)

Bergstrom, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1301 (09 September 2025)

The sentence imposed was manifestly excessive because insufficient weight was given to the appellant's voluntary desistance and absence of actual harm; a notional sentence of 7½ years would have been appropriate, resulting in a reduced custodial term for count 2.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2025] EWCA Crim 1301
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Lee Bergstrom
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
09 September 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Sentence Appeal
Outcome
appeal allowed in part
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Sexual Offences, Extended Sentence, Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order, Attempted Incitement, Sexual Communication With a Child
Criminal Law Sentencing Sexual Offences Extended Sentence Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order Attempted Incitement Sexual Communication With a Child

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Lee Bergstrom

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Sentence Appeal

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive given the facts and mitigating factors
  2. 2 Whether sufficient downward adjustment was made for voluntary desistance and absence of actual harm
  3. 3 Proper application of the sentencing guidelines for attempted incitement and breach of order

Ratio Decidendi

The sentence imposed was manifestly excessive because insufficient weight was given to the appellant's voluntary desistance and absence of actual harm; a notional sentence of 7½ years would have been appropriate, resulting in a reduced custodial term for count 2.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed in part

Orders

  • Sentence on count 2 quashed and replaced with an extended sentence of 11 years: 5 years' custody and 6 years' extended licence.