REGINA v C [2022] EWCA Crim 614
[1]"Offences may be of such severity, for example involving a campaign of rape, that sentences of 20 years and above may be appropriate." It is to be noted that the reference to a campaign of rape is merely as an example of the sort of case of such severity as may attract a sentence of 20 years or above. It is thus unnecessary to consider whether or not a case of this kind is properly described as involving a campaign of rape. Perhaps rather than a campaign, this can simply be described as a case of 'repeat, very serious offending against a young victim of sufficient severity in itself to justify the imposition of a sentence longer than that which would normally fall within the range of sentences appropriate for a single offence'. We take the view that the judge was entitled to reach the conclusion that the course of the appellant's conduct was such as to fall comfortably into such a category. Nevertheless the issue of totality still falls to be considered. Although the sentence of 25 years was undoubtedly somewhat lower than the total would have been reached by simply adding the appropriate sentence for each individual offence together, we are satisfied that, despite the seriously aggravating features, the term exceeded that which was just and proportionate in all the circumstances. We therefore reduce the sentence to one of 21 years’ imprisonment. To that limited extent we allow this appeal. Epiq Europe Ltd hereby certify that the above is an accurate and complete record of the proceedings or part thereof.Lower Ground, 18-22 Furnival Street, London EC4A 1JS
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