Katy Thorne KC persuades the Court of Appeal to quash an IPP after 19 years

Katy Thorne KC persuaded the Court of Appeal to quash another sentence of imprisonment for public protection (IPP), this time after 19 years.  She was instructed by Correna Platt of Stephensons Solicitors.   

In 2005 Paul Ashmore, then aged 18, was given an IPP for a serious violent offence.  He had a previous conviction for serious violence and a caution and an Anti-Social Behaviour Order on his record.  On 6 September 2024 the Court quashed that sentence and replaced it with a determinate sentence of 3 ½ years, in the process granting an extension of time of 19 years.  This will have a profound effect on Paul’s life. 

Katy says: “The Court of Appeal has shown a willingness, in recent years, to look again at these draconian sentences, and where there are grounds, to quash them, even after decades.  There is really good news from the government for those currently serving or on licence with IPPs who are intending to bring into force the relevant parts of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024  in the next few weeks, (see explanation of new provisions here) but some people won’t yet benefit from these new provisions.  Lawyers should continue to challenge IPPs in the Court of Appeal.”