R v Michael James Woods

R v Michael James Woods

The extended sentence of 26 years was manifestly excessive given the applicant's age of 18 at the time of offending and the need to avoid mechanistic application of current guidelines; a sentence of 23 years, comprising 18 years' custody and 5 years' extended licence, was appropriate.

Parties
Prosecutor: Rex; Applicant: Michael James Woods
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
23 July 2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
Appeal allowed; sentence reduced
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Sexual Offences, Appeals
Criminal Law Sentencing Sexual Offences Appeals

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecutor

Michael James Woods

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the extended sentence of 26 years was manifestly excessive for offences of rape committed when the applicant was 18 years old
  2. 2 Whether the sentencing judge failed to properly account for the applicant's age at the time of offending

Ratio Decidendi

The extended sentence of 26 years was manifestly excessive given the applicant's age of 18 at the time of offending and the need to avoid mechanistic application of current guidelines; a sentence of 23 years, comprising 18 years' custody and 5 years' extended licence, was appropriate.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; sentence reduced

Orders

  • Leave to appeal granted
  • Extended sentences of 26 years quashed and substituted with concurrent extended sentences of 23 years (18 years' custody, 5 years' extended licence)