A man severely beat his wife with a flashlight, causing serious injuries. He then lied about calling for help. Even though he said he was mentally ill, the judge gave him a 20-year sentence, and the appeals court agreed that the sentence was fair.
Key Facts
- •Appellant (36) pleaded guilty to attempted murder of his wife (54) on 4 January 2022.
- •The attack occurred on 16 May 2021 after an argument stemming from suspected infidelity.
- •Appellant repeatedly struck his wife with a Maglite torch, causing serious head and facial injuries.
- •He delayed seeking medical assistance and made false claims about calling an ambulance.
- •Appellant was arrested after being identified through CCTV footage.
- •Appellant had no prior convictions but a psychiatric report raised concerns about malingering.
- •The judge considered a pre-sentence report, psychiatric report, and victim impact statements.
- •The judge found the appellant posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public.
Legal Principles
Sentencing for attempted murder under the Sentencing Council Guideline.
Sentencing Council Guideline
Extended determinate sentences under section 279 of the Sentencing Act 2020.
Sentencing Act 2020, section 279
Assessment of dangerousness and risk of re-offending.
Case Law and Sentencing Principles
Outcomes
Appeal against sentence dismissed.
The court found the sentence of 20 years (16 years custody, 4 years extended licence) to be just and proportionate, reflecting the culpability, harm caused, aggravating factors, and mitigating factors.