Woods, R. v [2024] EWCA Crim 853 (11 July 2024)

Woods, R. v [2024] EWCA Crim 853 (11 July 2024)

The extended sentence of 26 years was manifestly excessive given the applicant's age of 18 at the time of the offences and the fact these were his first sexual offences; a sentence of 23 years, comprising 18 years' custody and a 5-year extended licence, was appropriate.

Citation
[2024] EWCA Crim 853
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Applicant: Michael James Woods
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 July 2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Rape, Extended Sentence, Sentencing Guidelines, Historic Offences, Notification Requirements

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Michael James Woods

Applicant

Procedural Posture

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

  1. 1 Whether the extended sentence of 26 years was manifestly excessive for historic rape offences committed at age 18
  2. 2 Whether sufficient weight was given to the applicant's age and immaturity 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 the offences and the fact these were his first sexual offences; a sentence of 23 years, comprising 18 years' custody and a 5-year extended licence, was appropriate.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

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)