In an appeal against a total sentence of 15 months' imprisonment for offences of theft and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, whilst the sentence could not in any way be described as manifestly excessive or wrong in principle, in view of the appellant's personal circumstances and the need to care for her five dependant children, the Court of Appeal would exercise its mercy and compassion and substitute her sentence with a term of six months' imprisonment, thereby guaranteeing her immediate release.

CA (Crim Div) (Lord Bingham of Cornhill LCJ, Alliott J, Newman J)

20/03/2000