Two Bradford cases among 100 which saw jail sentence increased

New statistics for the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme show that 106 offenders had their sentences increased after being referred to the Court of Appeal in 2021.

Under this same scheme, Frankie Smith’s sentence for her role in the death of her daughter, 16-month-old Star Hobson, was increased from 8 years to 12 year’s detention.

Smith, then 20, was jailed at Bradford Crown Court in December for allowing the death of Star at their flat in Wesley Place Keighley, in September 2020.

Her then-girlfriend, Savannah Brockhill, 28, was jailed for life for murdering Star, and must serve a minimum of 25 years behind bars.

Bradford Crown Court (Image: T&A)

Both Smith and Brockhill’s initial sentences were immediately challenged under the scheme, but the Attorney General only referred Smith to the Court of Appeal.

Another Bradford case which saw an initial jail term increased under the scheme, was that of Christopher Windle.

Windle, 21 was originally sentenced to four years and nine months in September 2021 for causing death by dangerous driving.

Christopher Windle (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

After a challenge under the ULS scheme, his case was referred to the Court of Appeal where it was decided to increase his sentence to six years and two months.

Windle, formerly of Kesteven Road, Holme Wood, fled the scene of a crash on Wakefield Road in September 2019, after colliding with two vehicles and killing his passenger, Stephen Tordoff.

Under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, victims of crime, members of the public, and the Crown Prosecution Service can ask for certain Crown Court sentences to be reviewed if they believe they are too low.

In 2021, the Law Officers received applications for 678 sentences to be reviewed which met the criteria to be considered under the scheme, and 151 were referred to the Court of Appeal.

Commenting on the scheme’s performance, Attorney General Victoria Prentis MP said: “In 2021, this meant that over 100 criminals had their sentences increased and many more victims and their families had a second chance at justice, demonstrating the vital role of the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme in the criminal justice system.

“It must be remembered that in the vast majority of cases the correct sentence is imposed, but the scheme remains an important tool to ensure that cases can be reviewed where there may have been a gross error in the sentencing decision.”

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