[2013] NICA 28

In the interests of transparency, Crown Court sentencing judges should indicate the starting point before allowing discount for a guilty plea so that the structure of the sentence could be examined if necessary. Similarly, reasons should be given in a determinate custodial sentence for the imposition of a licence period, particularly where it was beyond the minimum period required by statute.

CA (Crim Div) (NI) (Morgan LCJ, Higgins LJ, Girvan LJ)

17/05/2013