Success in the Court of Appeal for James Hudson – R v Kennard Gray
James Hudson has secured the immediate release of his client from prison after successfully appealing against sentence. This is despite leave to appeal initially being refused by the Single Judge.
Mr Gray pleaded guilty to one count of importing over 16kg of cannabis into Manchester Airport. Prior to this conviction, he had not been before a court in 15 years but he did have convictions for the importation of drugs in 1982, 1985 and 1995.
The Court of Appeal agreed that, to “double” the starting point from two years to four years in light of the weight of the drugs and the old previous convictions, was unjustified.
The sentence of 33 months’ imprisonment was held to be manifestly excessive and wrong in principle. It was quashed and replaced with 22 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 16 months with no requirements.
James accepts instructions in all areas of crime. To instruct James, please contact clerk@stjohnsbuildings.co.uk or call 0161 214 1500.
