R v Keeyan Thompson
[2023] EWCA Crim 953
R v Reece Singh-Digwa
22 February 2024
[2024] EWCA Crim 232
Court of Appeal
A teenager was given a long prison sentence for many crimes. The appeal court made the sentence slightly shorter because the judge didn't apply the rules about age discounts fairly to all the charges. The appeal court thought the teenager still deserved prison time because of how serious the crimes were.
Key Facts
- •Reece Singh-Digwa, born 3 January 2006, appealed his sentence for offences committed between ages 15-16.
- •Offences included multiple robberies, theft of motor vehicles, handling stolen goods, affray, and assisting an offender.
- •Pleaded guilty to most charges; one robbery conviction after a youth court trial.
- •Initially sentenced to four years two months' detention by Judge Parker KC.
- •Appeal concerned the adequacy of age discount and appropriateness of detention versus youth rehabilitation order.
Legal Principles
Sentencing of children and young people, considering age and proportionality.
Sentencing Act 2020, sections 16 and 20; Robbery-Sentencing Children and Young People guidelines; Sentencing Children and Young People guidelines.
Outcomes
Appeal partially allowed; sentence reduced from six years two months to four years eight months' detention.
Court found the original sentence didn't apply consistent age discount across all robbery offences. They concluded that a detention sentence was justified given the severity of the crimes, despite the appellant's youth.