Michael was part of Crown Court open day in Bournemouth, where he spoke about the Unduly Lenient Sentencing scheme, and its important place in the Criminal Justice System.
He was invited by Judge Mousley KC, as part of the day which had involvement from the Courts and Tribunal Service, and Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner Dave Sidwick.
In 2022, more than 800 eligible sentences were referred to the Attorney General’s Office under the ULS scheme. These are some of the most serious offences sentenced in crown courts, including murder and rape, and in 2022, 68% of those sentences referred to the Court of Appeal were increased.
Michael said:
“Thousands of cases are heard in crown courts every year, and judges have the difficult task of determining appropriate sentences that fit the crime. The test for undue leniency is very high and the Court of Appeal will only grant permission to refer a sentence in exceptional circumstances. As Law Officers, we must apply the law after careful consideration of the facts of each case. It was an honour to speak at my local Crown Court in Bournemouth about the Unduly Lenient Sentencing scheme, which is a key part of the justice system, promoting justice, fairness & consistency in sentencing.”
