Tag: Attorney General

The press release issued by the Attorney General on 14 February 2025.

The Attorney General Lord Hermer KC has released a statement following a request to review Axel Rudakubana’s sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The Attorney General Lord Hermer KC said:

The senseless and barbaric murder of three young girls in Southport last summer shocked our nation.

No words come anywhere close to expressing the brutality and horror in this case.

It was understandable that we received multiple requests to review the sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme – which is designed to identify and remedy gross errors made by judges.

After careful consideration of independent legal advice and consultation with leading criminal barristers and the Crown Prosecution Service, I have concluded that this case cannot properly be referred to the Court of Appeal.

No one would want the families to be put through an unnecessary further court process where there is no realistic legal basis for an increased sentence.

The 52-year sentence imposed by the judge was the second longest sentence imposed by the courts in English history.

Rudakubana will likely never be released and will spend the rest of his life in jail.

The Government have set out the next steps that must now take place to ensure that these awful murders will be a line in the sand.

My thoughts today are with the friends and families of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice, as well as the other victims – your memories will not be forgotten.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 12 September 2024.

The Attorney General Lord Hermer KC visited Kyiv, Bucha and Irpin to drive forward accountability for Ukraine.

Speaking alongside President Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin and ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, the Attorney General opened the United for Justice Conference.

The Attorney General said:

The UK supports Ukraine’s fight for freedom and its fight for justice. Russia must be accountable both for specific atrocities and its act of aggression. From the battlefield to the courtroom, the UK stands with Ukraine.

The conference was held in an underground car park in central Kyiv for safety, a daily reminder of the toll of war.

At Bucha’s cathedral, the Attorney General heard of the brutal murders and executions of ordinary people as they cycled to work, walked to the shop or sought to flee Russia’s occupation in March 2022.

Bucha was a place of terror two and a half years ago. Though homes have been rapidly reconstructed, wounds remain. Father Andriy, the Archpriest of the Cathedral, told from his experience of the importance of international rule of law and accountability, to provide justice for the people of Bucha and prevent further atrocities.

The Attorney General also stopped at the Romanivika Bridge, Irpin, blown up in 2022 to stop the Russian advance to Kyiv, but now a commuter route from the city to its suburbs.

There he heard about the part-UK funded Mobile Justice Units which support victims, including of conflict related sexual violence, across Ukraine.

The Attorney General also held detailed discussions with Prosecutor General Kostin on the work of his Office to prosecute the 135,000 incidents of alleged war crimes in real-time, as well as training and other support the UK is providing to help prosecutors.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 9 September 2024.

Raami Mohamed (22) from Cheetham Hill, Manchester, has had his sentence increased after it was referred to the Court of Appeal.

The court heard that in October 2023 two friends, Badri Issa and Omar Jeylaani, were travelling towards the city centre when they were approached by another car – driven by Raami Mohamed – gesturing them to stop.

Omar Jeylaani got out of the car but was confronted by Raami Mohamed. Badri Issa attempted to de-escalate the situation but was stabbed by Raami Mohamed.

While Badri Issa collapsed, Raami Mohamed’s fellow passenger, Kevell Blake, violently assaulted Omar Jeylaani before fleeing the scene with Mohamed. Badri Issa died in hospital later that evening.

Police investigations uncovered that after the attack Raami Mohamed and Kevell Blake disposed of the knife, their phones and clothes. Raami Mohamed also attempted to alter his appearance, change his car insurance, avoid his home and seek legal advice.

Telecommunications data revealed extensive contact between the pair before the attack, and that their phones were in the same location in the lead-up to the attack and again in another location after the attack.

Solicitor General Sarah Sackman KC MP said:

Raami Mohamed’s senseless and heartless murder of Badri Issa in broad daylight was appalling, especially against someone who was trying to act as the peacemaker. I would like to express my deepest condolences to Badri Issa’s friends and family.

The courts have rightly increased Mohamed’s sentence demonstrating the lengths we will take to make sure criminals like Raami Mohamed are off our streets.

On 7 June 2024 at the Manchester Crown Court, Mohamed was sentenced to life with a minimum of 18 years after being found guilty of murder.

On September 6 2024, Mohamed’s previous sentence was quashed and a new sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years and 145 days was imposed after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 23 August 2024.

A violent thug who permanently blinded his victim in one eye after he threw a corrosive substance in his face has had his sentence increased.

Robbie Scott (21), of Newcastle, has had his sentence increased after it was referred to the Court of Appeal.

The court heard that Scott stole a gold chain from a younger man in February 2024 after threatening him with a zombie knife.

The victim’s father challenged Scott to return the chain before Scott squirted him in the face with a corrosive substance from a drinks bottle. Scott also threatened to stab the victim before fleeing the scene.

The victim has undergone further operations to rescue his vision but has completely lost sight in one of his eyes.

Solicitor General Sarah Sackman MP said:

Robbie Scott’s actions were cowardly and shameful. Not only did he violently rob someone younger than him with a zombie knife but when challenged he callously threw a corrosive substance in another person’s face.

His victim has suffered life-altering injuries and thankfully the courts recognised the severity of Robbie Scott’s crimes when they extended his sentence. Those who violently attack and intimidate others should be warned that you will be dealt with the full force of the law.

On 20 May 2024, Scott received eight years and six months’ imprisonment with a licence extension of one year and six months at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Crown Court for robbery, having a bladed article and a corrosive substance in a public place, grievous bodily harm with intent, and resisting a constable in the execution of his duty.

On 23 August 2024, Robbie Scott’s sentence was increased to eleven years imprisonment with an extended license period of three years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 25 July 2024.

A dangerous driver under the influence of drink and drugs who killed a 13-year-old boy and fled the scene has had his sentence increased.

Harley Whiteman, 20, from Hirwaun, South Wales, has had his six years and nine months’ sentence quashed and a nine years’ detention imposed after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The court heard that on 29 February 2024, Whiteman was driving erratically and at speed through Hirwaun with two friends after he had been drinking and taking drugs.

On the Brecon Road, Whiteman swerved to avoid hitting another car, which caused him to mount the kerb and hit 13-year-old Kaylan Hippsley.

Kaylan was thrown into the air and was treated at the scene but died three days later in hospital.

Whiteman fled the scene but returned shortly after, shouting at those who were trying to help Kaylan.

When police officers later arrested Whiteman, he refused to take a breathalyser test and was verbally abusive towards them.

The Solicitor General Sarah Sackman MP said:

Harley Whiteman’s reckless actions have broken a family and stolen the life of a thirteen-year-old boy. That Whiteman fled the scene before abusing people tending to Kaylan, as well as police officers, is utterly deplorable.

The court’s rightly increased Whiteman’s sentence and this should send a clear warning to those who recklessly drive at high speeds and endanger the lives of others that they will be punished with the full force of the law.

On 30 April 2024, Whiteman was sentenced to six years’ and nine months’ detention in a Young Offenders Institution for one count of causing death by dangerous driving

On 24 July, Whiteman’s sentence was substituted to a nine years’ detention after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 12 April 2024.

A masked thug who took part in a violent burglary has had his sentence doubled after it was referred to the Court of Appeal.

Creddy Taylor, 21, from Leeds, has had his four-year sentence increased to eight years after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The court heard that a group of masked men, one wielding a machete, smashed their way into a house in Bradford during the daytime on 25 July 2023.

The victim, who was pregnant at the time, fled the scene before Taylor and the other burglars made off with expensive items, including watches, designer items, and cash.

The Solicitor General, Robert Courts KC MP, said:

I was appalled to learn of this horrific robbery and extend my sympathies to the victim who went through a traumatic ordeal.

The court’s intervention is a welcome one and this case should send a stark warning that those who commit violent burglaries  will face the full extent of the law for their crimes.

Creddy Taylor was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at Bradford Crown Court on 12 January 2024 after he was charged with aggravated burglary.

On 12 April 2024, Taylor’s sentence was increased to eight years after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 12 April 2024.

A police officer who engaged in sexual activities with a woman whilst on duty has suspended sentence quashed and sent to jail after it was referred to the Court of Appeal.

Matthew Longmate, 47, from Derbyshire, had his 12 months’ suspended sentence overturned and has been sentenced for 11 months imprisonment after the Solicitor General referred his sentence as being unduly lenient.

The court heard that Longmate and a fellow officer engaged in sexual activity with a woman in a police vehicle whilst they were on duty.

The offence occurred after the officers gave the woman a lift home after an incident in a bar in Chesterfield.

The Solicitor General, Robert Courts KC MP, said:

Matthew Longmate’s abuse of his position for sexual gain was sickening and I extend my deepest sympathies to the victim at what must be a difficult time.

Longmate’s extended sentence sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who carry out misconduct in a public office.

Longmate was charged for one count of misconduct in a public office. He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, at Southwark Crown Court on 15 January 2024.

On 12 April 2024, the Court of Appeal quashed Longmate’s previous sentence, and sentenced him to 11 months imprisonment after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 27 February 2024.

Victoria Prentis KC MP has reflected on her involvement in supporting Ukraine as it pursues justice for the victims of Russian atrocities and on her ongoing personal connection to the country.

She said:

This week marks a horrific chapter in Ukraine’s history as the country faces the two-year anniversary of Russia’s unlawful invasion.

Ukraine holds a special place in my heart. My daughter worked in Kyiv a few years ago and I remember when I visited her at the end of 2021. Rarely has a place looked more beautiful than Kyiv, with its cathedral lit up by the bright November sun.

I knew that things would be different when I returned last year, but seeing the sandbags around Mykhailivs’ka square was heart-breaking.

Even though Kyiv looked different, its people were the same. Weathered by war, but vibrant. Battered by conflict, but even more resilient.

That is why, alongside international partners, we are determined to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Government appointed Sir Howard Morrison – a former Judge at the International Criminal Court. – as independent advisor to Andriy Kostin – the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. This package of support has included training more than 100 judges to hold domestic war crimes trials.

In December 2022, the Attorney joined G7 justice ministers in signing the Berlin Declaration, coordinating international investigations and prosecutions and pledging solidarity with Ukraine.

Last March, on a visit to Ukraine, she witnessed the impact of the conflict first hand in Kyiv, Bucha and Borodiankia. In Lviv, the Attorney represented the UK at the United for Justice Conference.

This experience was reflected in her submission to the International Court of Justice where, alongside 32 other intervening states, the Attorney intervened in the case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention.

The Attorney added:

Most significantly for my family – we welcomed a Ukrainian woman into our home at the start of the war. Vika is an integral part of our family. We recently celebrated her birthday.  I know she will be part of our lives for ever.

Putin has tried to convince us all that Ukraine is part of a Russian world. That there is no Ukrainian culture. That there is no Ukraine.

But Ukraine’s soldiers and its people continue to defy the odds. They display the utmost bravery.  Here in the UK, we know that Ukraine is fighting not just for its own security, but our security too.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 21 February 2024.

The Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC MP has returned from a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories between 14 and 16 February 2024.

The Attorney saw first-hand the horrors of Hamas terror attacks in Israel, and visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In Southern Israel, close to Gaza, the Attorney General visited Kfar Aza Kibbutz, a site of terror, murder and kidnapping on October 7th. The Attorney also met with the Israeli Attorney General, lawyers for the Israeli Defence Force and the President of the Supreme Court.

She spent the second day in the West Bank, visiting Ramallah and East Jerusalem, where the Attorney General saw first-hand the effect of illegal settlement on villages and held meetings with the Palestinian Attorney General and the Prime Minister.

The Attorney General used her frank meetings to emphasise the importance of International Humanitarian Law being respected, civilians protected, and detainees being held in compliance with the Geneva Convention.

The Attorney General said:

At Kfar Aza Kibbutz, I saw the remains of hideous atrocities perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, within sight and sound of ongoing fighting in Gaza. This is a site of terror, murder and kidnapping. Hostages from this Kibbutz continue to be held by Hamas. The suffering and trauma of this community, and many others across Southern Israel, is immense.

Palestinian civilians in Gaza are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis. I heard from those working with communities in Gaza about the serious humanitarian situation and stressed the UK’s position that more must be done, faster to get aid to those who need it.

During my visit to the West Bank, I visited a Bedouin village where villagers are unable to graze their sheep on their land, or access schools or medical clinics due to a real fear of settler violence and illegal settlement expansion. The UK has already sanctioned extremist settlers involved in violence. Israel must take stronger action to put a stop to it.

At home these events are also causing real pain and anguish. All parties need to conduct themselves in line with International Humanitarian Law and minimise the terrible and unnecessary suffering of Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 30 January 2024.

An urgent independent inspection into the Crown Prosecution Service’s handling of the Nottingham stabbing case has been announced by the Government.

Attorney General Victoria Prentis has asked the independent inspectorate – His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review into the case following the sentencing of Valdo Calocane.

This will include looking at CPS’s decision to accept Valdo Calocane’s guilty pleas to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and whether the CPS met its duties to consult with families ahead of accepting pleas.

Attorney General Victoria Prentis said:

The senseless deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates have horrified the country.

While nothing will bring their loved ones back, the families understandably want to understand what happened in this case.

That’s why I have asked the inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review of CPS actions so we can properly investigate the concerns raised by the families in this devastating case.

This announcement builds on action already taken by the Government to get the families of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates the answers they deserve.

The Health and Social Care Secretary has ordered a special review of the mental health services at the NHS Trust where Valdo Calocane was treated, which will report back within weeks.

The Attorney General is also looking at the sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing Scheme.

Leicestershire Police have referred themselves to the IOPC and the Policing Minister has also met with senior leaders at Nottinghamshire Police to discuss the case.

HMCPSI have been asked to complete their report by Easter. The Attorney General’s Office will work with CPS to make sure any recommendations from the inspection are actioned as quickly as possible.