Christopher Donaldson v R
[2024] EWCA Crim 55
R v Christopher Anjad Gifari
10 October 2024
[2024] EWCA Crim 1419
Court of Appeal
A man stole a van and ran over the delivery driver who tried to stop him. The driver died. The thief was given a life sentence with a minimum of 32 years in prison. A court checked the sentence and decided it was fair.
Key Facts
- •Christopher Anjad El Gifari (aged 31) was convicted of murder and robbery.
- •He stole a delivery van, running over and killing the driver, Mark Lang (54).
- •The incident involved the applicant driving at speed, dragging the victim under the van for a significant distance.
- •The applicant had 26 previous convictions for 55 offences.
- •The applicant was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years (less 245 days spent on remand) for murder, and a concurrent 10-year sentence for robbery.
- •The judge considered aggravating factors such as the victim performing public service, the van being used as a weapon, and the victim's suffering.
Legal Principles
Sentencing in murder cases considers aggravating and mitigating factors to determine the appropriate minimum term.
Sentencing guidelines and case law on murder sentencing.
Outcomes
The appeal against sentence was refused.
The judge appropriately considered the aggravating and mitigating factors, and the resulting sentence was not manifestly excessive.