Daniel Fordham was given a 10-year sentence for helping someone smuggle drugs. The court decided that was too long because he wasn't the main person involved and he cooperated with the police. His sentence was reduced to 6 years.
Key Facts
- •Daniel Fordham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (methamphetamine).
- •His co-defendant, Axel Ritter-Cruz, received a 16-year sentence for related offences.
- •Fordham's involvement included acting as a 'minder', transporting drugs, accessing and removing drugs from a hidden compartment, and providing photographic evidence.
- •Approximately 7-9kg of the 20kg methamphetamine consignment was disposed of before police recovery.
- •Fordham received a 10-year sentence, which was appealed.
- •Fordham cooperated fully with the police and showed remorse.
Legal Principles
Sentencing guidelines for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, considering the role of the defendant and the quantity of drugs involved.
Sentencing Guidelines; R v Johnson & Ors [2022] EWCA Crim 1575
Outcomes
The 10-year sentence was quashed and replaced with a 6-year sentence.
The Court of Appeal found the original sentence was manifestly excessive due to an overly significant uplift for the drug quantity, failing to adequately account for mitigating factors such as Fordham's lesser role, cooperation, remorse, and lack of prior convictions. The appropriate starting point before plea consideration was deemed to be 9 years, resulting in a 6-year sentence after credit for the guilty plea.