[2013] EWCA Crim 1759

In passing sentence for sexual assault, a judge had been entitled to take an adjusted starting point of six years' imprisonment, as opposed to one of 12 months as recommended in the sentencing guidelines. The offence had been replete with aggravating factors and, save for a guilty plea, devoid of any mitigation. The judge had correctly observed that the guidelines were precisely such: guidelines, not tram lines.

CA (Crim Div) (Laws LJ, Globe J, Jay J)

03/10/2013