R v Shaquille Williams

R v Shaquille Williams

The judge was correct to categorise the offence as Category 1 harm due to risk of serious disorder, but not solely because the Trafford Centre is a place where vulnerable people are likely to be present. The sentence imposed was appropriate given the facts, previous conviction, commission while on bail, and habitual knife carrying. Suspension was properly refused due to lack of rehabilitation prospect and risk to public.

Parties
Applicant: Shaquille Williams; Respondent: Rex
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
23 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Application for Leave to Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Possession of Bladed Article, Guideline Categorisation, Suspension of Sentence
Criminal Law Sentencing Possession of Bladed Article Guideline Categorisation Suspension of Sentence

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Parties

Shaquille Williams

Applicant

Rex

Respondent

Procedural Posture

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

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the offence was correctly categorised as Category A1 under sentencing guidelines
  2. 2 Whether the risk of serious disorder and presence of vulnerable people justified Category 1 harm
  3. 3 Whether the sentence could be suspended given risk and rehabilitation prospects

Ratio Decidendi

The judge was correct to categorise the offence as Category 1 harm due to risk of serious disorder, but not solely because the Trafford Centre is a place where vulnerable people are likely to be present. The sentence imposed was appropriate given the facts, previous conviction, commission while on bail, and habitual knife carrying. Suspension was properly refused due to lack of rehabilitation prospect and risk to public.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Leave to appeal granted
  • Appeal against sentence dismissed