Check My Case for Appeal
M — Excessive sentence challenged on guideline grounds
An 8-year sentence after a guilty plea felt disproportionate. A guideline-by-guideline review showed the wrong category had been used and key mitigation had been overlooked.
Before
8 years
After our review
5 years 6 months
Case summary
M had been sentenced to 8 years following a guilty plea. The family felt the sentence was disproportionate compared with similar cases reported in the press but did not know where to start.
Our team analysed the offence against the Sentencing Council guidelines, the basis of plea, and the personal mitigation that had been advanced (and not advanced) at the original hearing.
We identified that the starting point had been set in the wrong category and that significant mitigation had not been given sufficient weight.
Outcome — Drafted grounds of appeal were taken forward by an instructed solicitor and barrister. The sentence was reduced to 5 years 6 months at the Court of Appeal.
How the review unfolded
- 1
Day 1 — Instruction
Family supplied the basis of plea, sentencing remarks and pre-sentence report.
- 2
Day 3 — Guideline review
Each element of the offence was tested against the Sentencing Council guideline.
- 3
Day 6 — Draft grounds
We produced a written report and drafted grounds of appeal.
- 4
Appeal stage
Instructed counsel adopted the grounds and presented them to the Court of Appeal.
- 5
Outcome
Sentence reduced to 5 years 6 months.
Options we identified
Every case is different. These are the realistic options the review surfaced for this matter — not a guarantee of the same outcome in another case.
Recategorise harm/culpability
Argue the original category overstated harm or culpability under the guideline.
Credit for plea
Test whether full credit for an early guilty plea was properly applied.
Personal mitigation
Re-present mitigation that was underweighted at first instance.
Working alongside leading UK barristers and KCs
Absolute discretion — your case is never discussed publicly
A fraction of the cost of high-street firms
Start your case review
Could the same approach work for your case?
Tell us a little about your matter and a senior reviewer will respond confidentially within one working day. Your enquiry will be reviewed in the context of Appeal against sentence.
- Fixed-price, written review — no open-ended fees.
- Senior reviewers who work alongside leading UK barristers and KCs.
- Absolute discretion — your case is never discussed publicly.
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