R v Steven Palmer

R v Steven Palmer

The sentence was not manifestly excessive. The judge was entitled to find significant planning based on the appellant's conduct during the offence, even excluding disputed evidence of prior presence in the park. The aggravating factors and harm justified a custodial term at the top of the range and an extended licence period.

Parties
Appellant: Steven Palmer; Respondent: Rex
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
04 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Sexual Assault, Sentencing, Dangerous Offenders, Extended Determinate Sentence, Appeal Against Sentence
Criminal Law Sexual Assault Sentencing Dangerous Offenders Extended Determinate Sentence Appeal Against Sentence

Case Brief

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Parties

Steven Palmer

Appellant

Rex

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive
  2. 2 Whether the offence was correctly categorised as Category 1A under Sentencing Council Guidelines
  3. 3 Whether significant planning was properly found as a factor in culpability

Ratio Decidendi

The sentence was not manifestly excessive. The judge was entitled to find significant planning based on the appellant's conduct during the offence, even excluding disputed evidence of prior presence in the park. The aggravating factors and harm justified a custodial term at the top of the range and an extended licence period.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Extension of time to appeal granted
  • Leave to appeal granted