David Dixon v R
[2023] EWCA Crim 280
R v Joe Robert Slack
3 April 2023
[2023] EWCA Crim 522
Court of Appeal
A man was convicted of stabbing someone. He appealed his sentence, saying the judge was unfair and the punishment too harsh. The appeals court disagreed, saying the stabbing was serious and that the man's history of violence and drug use justified the long sentence.
Key Facts
- •Joe Robert Slack pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.
- •The victim, Louis Norris, was stabbed in the arm and abdomen with a kitchen knife by Slack.
- •The attack resulted in serious injuries requiring surgery and ongoing physiotherapy.
- •Slack had a history of alcohol and drug abuse and previous convictions involving weapons.
- •A psychiatric report revealed a difficult childhood, self-harm, and potential personality disorder but no psychotic illness.
- •Slack received an extended sentence of seven years (five years custody and two years extended licence).
Legal Principles
Sentencing guidelines for wounding with intent.
Definitive guideline
Definition of 'highly dangerous weapon'.
R v Alvis of Lee [2022] EWCA Crim 127
Procedure for challenging prosecution's case.
R v Tolera [1999], R v Underwood [2005], R v Cairns [2013], R v Rodgers [2017]
Sentencing offenders with mental disorders.
Sentencing Guideline: Offenders with Mental Disorders
Standard for apparent bias.
Porter v Magill [2002] 2 AC 357
Outcomes
Appeal dismissed.
The court upheld the sentence, finding the judge's categorization of the offense, starting point, and assessment of dangerousness appropriate.