R v PDN

R v PDN

The aggregate custodial sentence of 13 years for two serious sexual offences against young children was unduly lenient and failed to reflect the additional criminality and harm caused to two victims. There is a significant ongoing risk of serious harm to children, justifying an extended sentence with a 4-year licence period.

Parties
Prosecutor: Rex; Respondent Offender: PDN
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 November 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Reference by Attorney General Under S.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988
Outcome
appeal allowed; sentence increased
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Sexual Offences, Dangerousness, Unduly Lenient Sentence
Criminal Law Sentencing Sexual Offences Dangerousness Unduly Lenient Sentence

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecutor

PDN

Respondent Offender

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Reference by Attorney General Under S.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed was unduly lenient
  2. 2 Whether a finding of dangerousness should be made and an extended sentence imposed

Ratio Decidendi

The aggregate custodial sentence of 13 years for two serious sexual offences against young children was unduly lenient and failed to reflect the additional criminality and harm caused to two victims. There is a significant ongoing risk of serious harm to children, justifying an extended sentence with a 4-year licence period.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed; sentence increased

Orders

  • Leave granted to refer sentence.
  • Sentence on count 1 quashed and substituted with an extended sentence of 21 years (17 years custody, 4 years extended licence).