Little, R v [2007] EWHC 1069 (QB) (16 May 2007)

Little, R v [2007] EWHC 1069 (QB) (16 May 2007)

The minimum term of 25 years is justified by the presence of multiple aggravating factors: extensive and multiple injuries, severity of force, concealment of body, blaming an innocent party, and non-consensual intercourse. The lack of premeditation and defendant's age are mitigating factors, but do not outweigh the seriousness of the aggravating features.

Citation
[2007] EWHC 1069 (QB)
Parties
Prosecution: R; Defendant: Michael Little
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
16 May 2007
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal (minimum Term Determination) / Minimum Term Determination Under Schedule 22 Criminal Justice Act 2003
Outcome
Minimum term of 25 years imprisonment set for life sentence, with deduction for 9 months remand in custody.
Legal Topics
Murder, Minimum Term Determination, Life Sentence, Aggravating and Mitigating Factors
Criminal Law Murder Minimum Term Determination Life Sentence Aggravating and Mitigating Factors

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Parties

R

Prosecution

Michael Little

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal (minimum Term Determination) / Minimum Term Determination Under Schedule 22 Criminal Justice Act 2003

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Determination of minimum term for life sentence under Schedule 22 Criminal Justice Act 2003
  2. 2 Assessment of aggravating and mitigating factors in murder conviction

Ratio Decidendi

The minimum term of 25 years is justified by the presence of multiple aggravating factors: extensive and multiple injuries, severity of force, concealment of body, blaming an innocent party, and non-consensual intercourse. The lack of premeditation and defendant's age are mitigating factors, but do not outweigh the seriousness of the aggravating features.

Court Disposition

Minimum term of 25 years imprisonment set for life sentence, with deduction for 9 months remand in custody.

Orders

  • Minimum term of 25 years imprisonment imposed.
  • Deduction of 9 months remand in custody from minimum term.