R v Lee Patmore
[2023] EWCA Crim 258
R v Tariq Reda
12 September 2024
[2024] EWCA Crim 1311
Court of Appeal
A man was sentenced for violently attacking his ex-girlfriend twice. He appealed his sentence. The Court of Appeal looked at all the details, including his bad past, mental health issues, and how serious the attacks were. They decided the sentence was fair, even though it was a long one, because of the man's actions.
Key Facts
- •Tariq Reda pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm (s.20 Offences against the Person Act 1861) on 6 November 2022 and further offences on 25 December 2023 (assault occasioning actual bodily harm (s.47, 1861 Act), intentional strangulation (s. 75A(1)(a) and (5) Serious Crime Act 2015), and common assault of an emergency worker).
- •The offences involved the appellant's ex-partner, Leanne Bass.
- •The 2022 offence involved the appellant striking Miss Bass in the eye with a dumbbell.
- •The 2023 offences involved punching, kicking, and strangulation of Miss Bass, followed by abusive behaviour towards police officers.
- •The appellant had 14 previous convictions for 38 offences, including multiple assaults.
- •The appellant was diagnosed with emotional unstable personality disorder and ADHD and had a difficult upbringing.
Legal Principles
Sentencing guidelines for offences under sections 20 and 47 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 and section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015.
Sentencing Guidelines
Principles of totality in sentencing.
Case Law
Aggravating factors in sentencing, such as domestic abuse, attacks in the victim's home, abuse of power, and offences committed on bail.
Case Law (implied)
Consideration of mitigating factors such as remorse and mental health issues.
Case Law (implied)
The serious nature of intentional strangulation and its harmful effects on victims.
R v Cook [2023] EWCA Crim 452
Outcomes
Appeal against sentence dismissed.
The overall sentence of 50 months' imprisonment was not manifestly excessive, considering the seriousness of the offences, the aggravating factors, and the principle of totality. The individual sentences, while severe, were justified given the circumstances.