Pitman, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 116 (28 January 2025)

Pitman, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 116 (28 January 2025)

Given the appellant's extensive record for serious violence, the persistent and planned nature of the assault, the high and unpredictable risk to the public, and the lack of engagement with interventions, the judge was entitled to impose a discretionary life sentence as the only means of adequately protecting the public.

Citation
[2025] EWCA Crim 116
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Stuart Pitman
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 January 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Dangerous Offenders, Life Imprisonment, Extended Sentences, Grievous Bodily Harm

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Stuart Pitman

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

  1. 1 Whether the imposition of a discretionary life sentence was necessary and proportionate for the offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent
  2. 2 Whether sufficient consideration was given to the alternative of an extended sentence
  3. 3 Whether the judge properly categorised the offence under the sentencing guidelines

Ratio Decidendi

Given the appellant's extensive record for serious violence, the persistent and planned nature of the assault, the high and unpredictable risk to the public, and the lack of engagement with interventions, the judge was entitled to impose a discretionary life sentence as the only means of adequately protecting the public.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Court extract to be corrected to reflect sentence under section 285 of the Sentencing Act 2000