Christopher Whitehouse successfully appeals sentence on the basis of his client’s autism (2-year reduction)
Stuart-Smith LJ, Mrs Justice O'Farrell J and the Common Serjeant of London agreed that the sentence of 7 years was manifestly excessive, reducing it to 5 years. The court agreed that the learned judge failed to take sufficient account of the defendant’s diagnosed autistic spectrum disorder.
The available psychological report (which the sentencing judge went no further than saying he had ‘read') described the defendant as vulnerable, socially niaive, passive and unable to say no to others. He was also unlikely to challenged wrong-doing and tended not to ask questions in case he lost a ‘friend’.
Despite his involvement close to the two ringleaders of a class A county-lines and people-trafficking conspiracy, the Court of Appeal agreed with the defence that, by reason of his personal features, his was properly described as a lesser role.
Instructed by TML solicitors, Leicester
