Connors & Ors v R.

Connors & Ors v R.

Although the sentences for William and John Connors were lenient, they were not so unduly lenient as to require appellate intervention, given the trial judge's careful assessment of aggravating and mitigating factors and his direct engagement with the evidence. The sentences for James and Miles Connors were within the appropriate range considering their relative culpability and mitigation.

Parties
Appellant: William Connors; Appellant: James Connors; Appellant: John Connors; Appellant: Miles Connors; Respondent: R
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 March 2013
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Attorney General's Reference Under S.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988
Outcome
Attorney General's Reference refused; sentences upheld
Legal Topics
Forced Labour, Sentencing, Conspiracy, Exploitation of Labour
Criminal Law Forced Labour Sentencing Conspiracy Exploitation of Labour

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

William Connors

Appellant

James Connors

Appellant

John Connors

Appellant

Miles Connors

Appellant

R

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Attorney General's Reference Under S.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sentences imposed for conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour were unduly lenient
  2. 2 Appropriate sentencing principles for offences under s.71 Coroners and Justice Act 2009

Ratio Decidendi

Although the sentences for William and John Connors were lenient, they were not so unduly lenient as to require appellate intervention, given the trial judge's careful assessment of aggravating and mitigating factors and his direct engagement with the evidence. The sentences for James and Miles Connors were within the appropriate range considering their relative culpability and mitigation.

Court Disposition

Attorney General's Reference refused; sentences upheld

Orders

  • Leave to refer sentences on James and Miles Connors refused
  • Leave to refer sentences on William and John Connors granted but no interference with sentences