Three challenges in September over Bradford criminals' jail terms

Three cases were referred to the Attorney General in September, for crimes including murder and death by dangerous driving.

One has been referred on to the Court of Appeal, a second bid has failed, and a further case is still under consideration.

The unduly lenient sentence scheme allows victims, members of the public and prosecutors to ask for sentences it covers to be reviewed within 28 days of the court date.

The Attorney General’s Office will consider the case and must decide whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal for a hearing if it appears “unduly lenient”.

Top judges could then rule that the sentence is unreasonably low and may increase it.

The three Bradford sentences in questions are that of Sheryar Khan, Thomas Nutt and Jack Simpson.

Sheryar Khan – murder – 16 years imprisonment

Khan, 17, was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison for the murder of 19-year-old Kian Tordoff in July in what was described as a “ferocious” knife attack.

He was found guilty following a lengthy trial at Bradford Crown Court and was also convicted of the wounding with intent of Matthew Page, who suffered life-threatening injuries.

Sheryar Khan. Picture: West Yorkshire Police

Following a challenge, the Attorney General believes Khan’s term does appear “unduly lenient” and a hearing was due to take place at the Court of Appeal on October 5, but has been postponed.

Mr Tordoff died after he was stabbed multiple times while in John Street, Bradford, in October last year.

Thomas Nutt – murder – life sentence with minimum of 21 years

Nutt was jailed for life in August after being found guilty of murdering his new bride Dawn Walker on their wedding night.

He was ordered to serve a minimum of 21 years behind bars.

Thomas Nutt. Picture: West Yorkshire Police

A bid was made earlier this month under the scheme but after consideration, the Attorney General’s Office decided not to refer Nutt’s case on to the Court of Appeal.

It means that the minimum term he must serve remains the same.

The 46-year-old scrap metal dealer packed Miss Walker’s body in a suitcase at the marital home in Shirley Grove, Lightcliffe, shortly after they married on October 27 last year.

Jack Simpson – death by dangerous driving – six years detention

Teenage driver, Simpson, killed three people in the M606 triple death crash in June.

The 16-year-old from the Allerton area, pleaded guilty to three charges of causing death by dangerous driving and one charge of dangerous driving on the same date.

His victims were taxi driver Sohail Ali, 28, and his passenger Simon McHugh, 49, who were pronounced dead at the scene. Kyden Leadbeater, 18, who was a passenger in a van, died in hospital a day later.

Jack Simpson and dashcam footage of the stolen van. Pictures: West Yorkshire Police

Simpson’s sentence, six years’ detention and out on licence after serving half that period, prompted anger from the victim’s families.

A decision on whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal is yet to be made.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk, contact us here, WhatsApp us on 07720403052 or call us on 01274 705292.