R v Leon Finnegan

R v Leon Finnegan

The sentence imposed was manifestly excessive due to failure to apply totality, and a just and proportionate sentence is eight years and ten months' imprisonment, allowing for aggravating factors and reduced credit for guilty plea.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Leon Finnegan
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed in part
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Drug Offences, Appeal, Totality, Guilty Plea Credit, Newton Hearing
Criminal Law Sentencing Drug Offences Appeal Totality Guilty Plea Credit Newton Hearing

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 3 Authorities cited 3 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 4
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Leon Finnegan

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive
  2. 2 Whether credit for guilty plea was sufficient
  3. 3 Whether a Newton hearing was required

Ratio Decidendi

The sentence imposed was manifestly excessive due to failure to apply totality, and a just and proportionate sentence is eight years and ten months' imprisonment, allowing for aggravating factors and reduced credit for guilty plea.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed in part

Orders

  • Sentence of ten years and nine months' imprisonment quashed on counts 5 and 6.
  • Substituted sentence of eight years and ten months' imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently with each other but consecutively to the previous sentence of five years and eight months' imprisonment.