Watkins & Anor, R. v [2023] EWCA Crim 1516 (02 November 2023)

The sentencing judge correctly applied the Sentencing Council guideline, properly categorised both applicants as high culpability (A), took account of aggravating and mitigating factors without double-counting, and applied the totality principle. The sentences were not manifestly excessive or wrong in principle.

Citation: [2023] EWCA Crim 1516
Parties: Prosecution: Rex; Applicant: Richard Thomas Watkins; Applicant: Christopher German
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 02 November 2023
Procedural Posture: Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome: Applications for leave to appeal against sentence refused
Legal Topics: Sentencing, Firearms Offences, Conspiracy, Appeals Against Sentence, Dangerous Offenders

Criminal Law Sentencing Firearms Offences Conspiracy Appeals Against Sentence Dangerous Offenders

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 3 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 9

Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Richard Thomas Watkins

Applicant

Christopher German

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

1 Whether the sentences imposed on Richard Thomas Watkins and Christopher German were manifestly excessive
2 Whether the sentencing judge erred in categorising the culpability of the applicants under the Sentencing Council guideline
3 Whether there was double-counting of aggravating factors

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Applications for leave to appeal against sentence refused