R v Ben Murphy & Anor
[2024] EWCA Crim 379
R v Jonathan Oriba
3 May 2024
[2024] EWCA Crim 495
Court of Appeal
A man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for helping plan a big jewellery robbery. He tried to appeal the sentence, saying it was too long, but the court said the sentence was fair considering how much he was involved and his past crimes. The court also refused to extend the time limit he had to appeal, because his appeal was not considered strong enough.
Key Facts
- •Jonathan Oriba was convicted of conspiracy to rob and sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment on 28 November 2019.
- •The robbery involved a well-planned attack on a jewellery shop, resulting in the theft of £620,000 worth of goods.
- •Oriba played a significant role in planning the robbery, including hiring vehicles and conducting reconnaissance.
- •Oriba was unable to participate in the robbery itself due to a leg injury.
- •Oriba has 21 previous convictions, including three for burglary.
- •Oriba applied for an extension of time (1225 days) to appeal his sentence.
Legal Principles
Sentencing guidelines for conspiracy to rob.
Sentencing Council guidelines
Standard of review for appeals against sentence.
Implicit in the Court of Appeal's judgment
Outcomes
The application for an extension of time and the appeal against sentence were refused.
The Court of Appeal found the sentence was not manifestly excessive. The judge's assessment of Oriba's role in the conspiracy and the categorization of the offence were deemed appropriate. The mitigating circumstances were considered but deemed insufficient to alter the sentence.