Court of Appeal dismisses appeal against severity of sentence of ten years with the final year suspended, imposed in respect of three counts of manslaughter contrary to common law arising from a fatal car accident, on the grounds that the sentence ultimately imposed did not fall outside the available range.
Criminal law – sentencing – appeal against severity of sentence - three concurrent sentences, each of ten years with the final year suspended, were imposed in respect of three counts of manslaughter contrary to common law - fatal road traffic accident - three people lost their lives in the collision – events before the accident – drinking – assault - a state of heightened arousal – driving at excessive speed – snapchat videos - victim impact report - personal circumstances of the Appellant - discussion and decision – something in the nature of an error in principle must be identified - sentence being appealed or reviewed must be one that falls outside the available range - substantial custodial sentence was inevitable - judge is not to be criticised for identifying a headline sentence of fourteen years - headline or pre- mitigation sentence of fourteen years not impermissible in the circumstances - sentence ultimately imposed did not fall outside the available range – appeal dismiss