Her Majesty's Advocate v. Murray (Known As Keiran Kerrigan) [2008] ScotHC HCJ_01 (19 February 2008)

Her Majesty's Advocate v. Murray (Known As Keiran Kerrigan) [2008] ScotHC HCJ_01 (19 February 2008)

Where the factual basis for mitigation is disputed by the Crown, the sentencing judge cannot accept it ex parte and must offer proof in mitigation; if the accused declines, sentencing proceeds on the basis that the accused's involvement was not limited to providing a safe house.

Parties
Prosecutor: Her Majesty's Advocate; Accused: Mark Devlin Murray known as Kieran Kerrigan
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
19 February 2008
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentencing Opinion Following Guilty Plea
Outcome
Opinion issued; sentencing to proceed on basis accused's involvement was not limited to providing a safe house.
Legal Topics
Drug Offences, Sentencing, Mitigation, Proof in Mitigation

Case Brief

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Parties

Her Majesty's Advocate

Prosecutor

Mark Devlin Murray known as Kieran Kerrigan

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing Opinion Following Guilty Plea

  1. 1 Appropriate factual basis for sentencing when plea in mitigation is disputed by Crown
  2. 2 Role of proof in mitigation in sentencing
  3. 3 Extent of accused's involvement in drug supply

Ratio Decidendi

Where the factual basis for mitigation is disputed by the Crown, the sentencing judge cannot accept it ex parte and must offer proof in mitigation; if the accused declines, sentencing proceeds on the basis that the accused's involvement was not limited to providing a safe house.

Court Disposition

Opinion issued; sentencing to proceed on basis accused's involvement was not limited to providing a safe house.