1 Inner Template Lane, Barristers ChambersSolicitor-General prosecutes Alex Kettle-Williams in Attorney-General's Reference
February 3, 2012
The Court of Appeal yesterday gave leave to the Attorney -General to refer the sentence of Zephen Rollins under s.36 Criminal Justice Act 1972.
On 10th November 2011 Mr Rollins, represented by Alex Kettle-Williams of Chambers, was sentenced overall to the minimum term of 5 years' imprisonment for offences under s.1, s.5 and s.16 Firearms Act 1968. On 25th January 2012 the Solicitor-General, Edward Garnier QC, argued against Alex Kettle-Williams at the higher court that the sentence was unduly lenient and should reach towards double figures, if not beyond. In the full hearing Mr Garnier QC invited the Court of Appeal to accept this case as an opportunity to review the law and guidelines on sentencing cases of this nature, most particularly in relation to s.16 convictions in light of developing social concern, public interest and Parliamentary attention the matter has received through bodies such as the Home Affairs Committee.
Lady Justice Hallet DBE leading the Criminal Division bench allowed leave and gave judgment that the court found the original sentence to be unduly lenient. Full judgment handed down 3rd February 2012.
File: Rollings
Instructing solicitors:
TV Edwards / JB Wheatley
