R v Sona Godlova

R v Sona Godlova

The judge erred by not properly factoring the appellant's strong personal mitigation and reduced culpability due to mental health difficulties into the sentencing decision; the sentence should have been suspended to allow rehabilitation in the community.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Sona Godlova
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
10 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, Assault on Emergency Worker, Suspended Sentence, Mental Health Mitigation
Criminal Law Sentencing Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm Assault on Emergency Worker Suspended Sentence Mental Health Mitigation

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Sona Godlova

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentencing judge properly considered the appellant's personal mitigation and mental health when imposing immediate custody
  2. 2 Whether the sentence should have been suspended

Ratio Decidendi

The judge erred by not properly factoring the appellant's strong personal mitigation and reduced culpability due to mental health difficulties into the sentencing decision; the sentence should have been suspended to allow rehabilitation in the community.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • 24 weeks' detention suspended for 24 months
  • requirement to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activity