R v Nathan Thomas Smith
[2023] EWCA Crim 1173
R v Eugert Merizaj
8 November 2022
[2022] EWCA Crim 1586
Court of Appeal
A man was convicted of murder and got a life sentence with a minimum of 32 years in prison. He tried to appeal saying the sentence was too long, but the court said the sentence was fair because the murder was very carefully planned and he tried to hide the evidence afterwards.
Key Facts
- •Eugert Merizaj was convicted of murder on 8 April 2022 at Teesside Crown Court.
- •The murder of Hemawand Ali Hussein occurred on 14 September 2019 in Hartlepool.
- •The murder was a meticulously planned event involving seven people, linked to illegal drug trade.
- •Various weapons were used, including a shotgun and an axe purchased by Merizaj.
- •Efforts were made to destroy evidence after the murder.
- •Merizaj was 31 years old with no prior convictions.
- •The judge imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years (less 238 days spent on remand).
Legal Principles
Sentencing for murder involves considering aggravating and mitigating factors.
Sentencing Act 2020, s.322
Outcomes
The appeal against sentence was dismissed.
The court found the 32-year minimum term was not manifestly excessive, given the significant aggravating factors (meticulous planning, multiple weapons, evidence destruction) and that the judge appropriately considered mitigating factors.