Kieran Galvin Secures Significant Sentence Reduction in GBH Appeal

Court of Appeal quashes 12-year sentence and substitutes 7 years following defence submissions on weapon classification and injury assessment.

Libertas Chambers reports that Kieran Galvin, instructed by Kerry Spence of Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, successfully represented Nathan Graham in his appeal against a 12-year sentence imposed at Croydon Crown Court for one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

The appeal required the Court to consider whether an unbroken bottle fell within the definition of a highly dangerous weapon under the relevant sentencing guideline, and whether the injuries sustained justified placing the offence in the highest category of harm.

Following detailed submissions on both the classification of the weapon and the proper categorisation of the injuries, the Court acceded to the defence arguments. The original 12-year sentence was quashed and substituted with a term of 7 years’ imprisonment.

For further information about Kieran’s appellate practice, please contact our clerking team.