Suspended sentences were unduly lenient for serious assaults using meat cleavers

The Court of Appeal has set aside suspended sentences imposed for offences of assault causing harm and production of a weapon, finding the non-custodial sentences unduly lenient. The original court had ordered the defendants to perform community service in lieu of imprisonment, considering mitigating factors such as no prior convictions, good work history, and efforts towards rehabilitation. However, the Court of Appeal determined that the gravity of the offenses, involving a violent altercation with meat cleavers resulting in serious injuries, necessitated custodial sentences. The new sentences were set at two and a half years' imprisonment for each defendant, with the final twelve months suspended on the condition of good behavior and compliance with any Probation Service directions, acknowledging the community service already performed and the defendants' foreign national status.