R v Ryan Brown
[2023] EWCA Crim 1216
R v Liam Brown
31 October 2023
[2023] EWCA Crim 1342
Court of Appeal
A man was convicted of beating up his ex-girlfriend, harassing her, and trying to stop her from testifying against him. He got a five-year prison sentence, and the court decided that sentence was fair.
Key Facts
- •Liam Brown pleaded guilty to witness intimidation (s.51 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994).
- •He was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and harassment (s.4 Protection from Harassment Act 1997).
- •The offences involved violence and intimidation against his former partner, Olivia Jackson-Parry.
- •Brown's intimidation included threats of violence, pressure to withdraw support for the prosecution, and attempts to coerce a false statement.
- •The intimidation occurred over several months and involved multiple forms of contact (phone calls, messages, in-person visits).
- •Brown had prior convictions for offences including threatening behaviour, theft, arson, and racially aggravated criminal damage.
Legal Principles
Totality Principle in Sentencing
Sentencing Guidelines
Witness Intimidation
Section 51, Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm
Common Law
Harassment
Section 4, Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Outcomes
Appeal against sentence refused.
The court found the sentences (21 months for assault, 12 months for harassment, 27 months for intimidation – total 5 years) to be proportionate and to satisfy the totality principle, even considering the guilty plea.