Liam Walker KC and Natalie Lucas secure substantial reduction in sentence in Court of Appeal contempt case

Liam Walker KC and Natalie Lucas have secured a significant success in the Court of Appeal, achieving a substantial reduction in sentence in a serious contempt of court case.

The Appellant had been found in contempt on 12 of 13 alleged grounds following protracted first-instance proceedings. The Appellant was sentenced to 20 months’ immediate imprisonment.

Counsel were instructed shortly before the appeal hearing. At that stage, no challenge had been advanced against the sanction imposed. At the hearing, permission was successfully obtained to advance new and additional grounds of appeal contending that the sentence was manifestly excessive.

Through detailed written submissions and oral argument, Counsel demonstrated that the sentencing judge had erred in applying Sentencing Council guidelines. 

Accepting counsel's submissions, in a relatively unusual course the Court of Appeal undertook its own reassessment of the appropriate sanction reducing the custodial term from 20 months to 8 months’ imprisonment — a reduction of more than half — and overturned one of the findings of contempt. 

The Court commended counsel for their assistance and for the quality of their written and oral submissions.

Liam Walker KC and Natalie Lucas were instructed by Veja & Co Solicitors.