JQ, R v [2009] NICA 44 (30 June 2009)

JQ, R v [2009] NICA 44 (30 June 2009)

The sentence of eighteen months imprisonment suspended for three years was unduly lenient given the number of offences, ten-year period, number and ages of victims, breach of trust, repeated offending, and impact on victims; concurrent sentences were inappropriate; no exceptional circumstances justified suspension.

Citation
[2009] NICA 44
Parties
Prosecution: The Queen; Defendant: JQ
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
30 June 2009
Procedural Posture
Attorney General's Reference (number 2 of 2009) / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
Sentence substituted
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Indecent Assault, Sexual Offences, Suspended Sentences, Consecutive Sentences, Double Jeopardy

Case Brief

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Parties

The Queen

Prosecution

JQ

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Attorney General's Reference (number 2 of 2009) / Appeal Against Sentence

  1. 1 Whether the sentences imposed were unduly lenient
  2. 2 Whether consecutive sentences should have been imposed
  3. 3 Whether the terms of imprisonment should have been suspended

Ratio Decidendi

The sentence of eighteen months imprisonment suspended for three years was unduly lenient given the number of offences, ten-year period, number and ages of victims, breach of trust, repeated offending, and impact on victims; concurrent sentences were inappropriate; no exceptional circumstances justified suspension.

Court Disposition

Sentence substituted

Orders

  • Fifteen months immediate imprisonment for each offence to run concurrently
  • Ancillary orders relating to the Sexual Offenders Register and Sexual Offences Prevention Order to stand