B.H. murder sentence appeal dismissed by Court of Appeal

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B.H.’s appeal against a life imprisonment sentence for murder was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on 28 April 2021.

The sentence, imposed by the Central Criminal Court, included a review after ten years. B.H., who was a minor when he pleaded guilty, argued that the sentence was unduly severe and that mitigating factors had not been given sufficient weight.

The Court of Appeal held that the sentencing judge had made no error of principle. It found that bringing a knife to the scene was a significant aggravating factor and that the sentence fell within the available range.

The court also found that sufficient credit had been given for the early guilty plea, remorse, developmental difficulties and chaotic family background. It dismissed the appeal.