Britton, R. v

Britton, R. v

The original sentence of eight weeks' imprisonment for contempt was manifestly excessive given the appellant's apologies, good character, and family circumstances; a reduced sentence of 20 days was appropriate.

Parties
Prosecution: Regina; Appellant: Lilly Jane Britton
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 August 2006
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
appeal allowed in part
Legal Topics
Contempt in the Face of the Court, Sentencing, Jury Intimidation
Criminal Law Contempt of Court Contempt in the Face of the Court Sentencing Jury Intimidation

Case Brief

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Parties

Regina

Prosecution

Lilly Jane Britton

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence of eight weeks' imprisonment for contempt in the face of the court was excessive
  2. 2 Whether the appellant's conduct crossed the custody threshold

Ratio Decidendi

The original sentence of eight weeks' imprisonment for contempt was manifestly excessive given the appellant's apologies, good character, and family circumstances; a reduced sentence of 20 days was appropriate.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed in part

Orders

  • Sentence of eight weeks' imprisonment quashed
  • Substituted sentence of 20 days' imprisonment