Welsh, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 466 (31 March 2026)

Welsh, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 466 (31 March 2026)

The Judge was entitled to impose a sentence above the guideline range for stalking due to multiple aggravating factors, but the consecutive sentence for contempt was manifestly excessive and should be reduced to reflect the principle of totality.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2026] EWCA Crim 466
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Richard Alexander Welsh
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
31 March 2026
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed in part
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Stalking, Contempt of Court, Appeal Procedure
Criminal Law Sentencing Stalking Contempt of Court Appeal Procedure

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Richard Alexander Welsh

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the uplift from the starting point for the stalking offence was excessive
  2. 2 Whether the sentence for contempt should have been concurrent rather than consecutive

Ratio Decidendi

The Judge was entitled to impose a sentence above the guideline range for stalking due to multiple aggravating factors, but the consecutive sentence for contempt was manifestly excessive and should be reduced to reflect the principle of totality.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed in part

Orders

  • Sentence on contempt offence reduced from 4 months to 1 month, consecutive to stalking sentence
  • Total sentence reduced to 4 years 7 months' imprisonment