Hopcroft, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1598 (18 November 2025)
The original sentence was unduly lenient because it failed to reflect the separate harm caused to victim A by not imposing a consecutive sentence for the offending against her. The appropriate approach was to make the 18-month sentence for count 5 consecutive to the 31-month sentence for count 2, resulting in a total sentence of 49 months.
- Citation
- [2025] EWCA Crim 1598
- Parties
- Prosecution: Rex; Respondent: Stephen Hopcroft
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 18 November 2025
- Procedural Posture
- Attorney General's Reference (criminal) / Appeal Against Sentence
- Outcome
- Reference allowed; sentence increased
- Legal Topics
- Unduly Lenient Sentences, Sexual Offences, Sentencing Guidelines, Attorney General's Reference
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Rex
Prosecution
Stephen Hopcroft
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Attorney General's Reference (criminal) / Appeal Against Sentence
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the sentence imposed on Stephen Hopcroft was unduly lenient
- 2 Whether the sentencing judge failed to reflect the separate harm caused to each victim
Ratio Decidendi
The original sentence was unduly lenient because it failed to reflect the separate harm caused to victim A by not imposing a consecutive sentence for the offending against her. The appropriate approach was to make the 18-month sentence for count 5 consecutive to the 31-month sentence for count 2, resulting in a total sentence of 49 months.
Court Disposition
Reference allowed; sentence increased
Orders
- Leave to refer granted
- Count 5 (18 months) made consecutive to count 2 (31 months)
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