Blake & Ors, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 452 (20 March 2026)

Blake & Ors, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 452 (20 March 2026)

The finding of dangerousness against Blake was not adequately reasoned or supported by evidence; the extended sentence was substituted with a determinate sentence. Wootton's appeal failed as the total sentence was not manifestly excessive and mitigation was considered. Jones's renewed application was refused as the judge's categorisation and application of totality were justified.

Citation
[2026] EWCA Crim 452
Parties
Appellant: Lee Blake; Applicant: Christopher Jones; Appellant: Sophie Maria Wootton; Respondent: Rex
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 March 2026
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Blake's appeal allowed; extended sentence quashed and determinate sentence imposed. Wootton's appeal dismissed. Jones's renewed application for leave to appeal refused.
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Dangerousness, Firearms Offences, Drug Offences, Totality, Mitigation
Criminal Law Sentencing Dangerousness Firearms Offences Drug Offences Totality Mitigation

Case Brief

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Parties

Lee Blake

Appellant

Christopher Jones

Applicant

Sophie Maria Wootton

Appellant

Rex

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the finding of dangerousness and imposition of an extended sentence on Blake was justified
  2. 2 Whether the sentencing judge afforded adequate credit for mitigation and guilty plea to Wootton
  3. 3 Whether the judge mis-categorised Jones's role and failed to apply totality in sentencing

Ratio Decidendi

The finding of dangerousness against Blake was not adequately reasoned or supported by evidence; the extended sentence was substituted with a determinate sentence. Wootton's appeal failed as the total sentence was not manifestly excessive and mitigation was considered. Jones's renewed application was refused as the judge's categorisation and application of totality were justified.

Court Disposition

Blake's appeal allowed; extended sentence quashed and determinate sentence imposed. Wootton's appeal dismissed. Jones's renewed application for leave to appeal refused.

Orders

  • Blake's extended sentence substituted with a determinate sentence of 6 years' imprisonment.
  • Wootton's sentence of 8 years' imprisonment upheld.