Stewart, R v [2011] NICC 10 (16 March 2011)

Stewart, R v [2011] NICC 10 (16 March 2011)

Hazel Stewart's minimum term is set at eighteen years due to her active participation in two planned murders, exceptionally high culpability, aggravating factors, and lack of genuine remorse, with some reduction for her secondary role compared to the principal offender.

Citation
[2011] NICC 10
Parties
Prosecution: The Queen; Defendant: Hazel Stewart
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
16 March 2011
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentencing After Conviction
Outcome
Minimum term of eighteen years imprisonment imposed before eligibility for parole.
Legal Topics
Murder, Life Imprisonment, Minimum Term, Sentencing Guidelines
Criminal Law Murder Life Imprisonment Minimum Term Sentencing Guidelines

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 6 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

The Queen

Prosecution

Hazel Stewart

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing After Conviction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Determination of minimum term for life imprisonment following conviction for double murder
  2. 2 Application of sentencing guidelines and aggravating/mitigating factors

Ratio Decidendi

Hazel Stewart's minimum term is set at eighteen years due to her active participation in two planned murders, exceptionally high culpability, aggravating factors, and lack of genuine remorse, with some reduction for her secondary role compared to the principal offender.

Court Disposition

Minimum term of eighteen years imprisonment imposed before eligibility for parole.

Orders

  • Hazel Stewart to serve a minimum term of eighteen years imprisonment.
  • Stewart to be included in the barred list for adults by the Independent Barring Board pursuant to Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007.