R v Leon Roach

R v Leon Roach

The original custodial sentence of 4 years for the sexual offence was manifestly excessive as it failed to account for the absence of an actual victim and proper downward adjustment; the appropriate sentence is 3 years. The safeguarding offence sentence was also excessive and reduced to 10 months concurrent. The extended licence period remains unchanged due to the appellant's dangerousness.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Leon Roach
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 November 2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed in part
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences, Sentencing, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups, Extended Sentences, Dangerous Offenders
Criminal Law Sexual Offences Sentencing Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Extended Sentences Dangerous Offenders

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Leon Roach

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed for attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity was manifestly excessive
  2. 2 Whether the sentence for engaging in a barred activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 was excessive
  3. 3 Whether proper downward adjustment was made for absence of an actual victim

Ratio Decidendi

The original custodial sentence of 4 years for the sexual offence was manifestly excessive as it failed to account for the absence of an actual victim and proper downward adjustment; the appropriate sentence is 3 years. The safeguarding offence sentence was also excessive and reduced to 10 months concurrent. The extended licence period remains unchanged due to the appellant's dangerousness.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed in part

Orders

  • Custodial sentence for sexual offence reduced to 3 years
  • Safeguarding offence sentence reduced to 10 months concurrent