Law Weblog

Judges: A case that is more interesting than relevant to AS/A Level law

R v Betson and others (CA)
The judge in the case of the “Dome Raiders” (criminals who conspired to rob the Millennium Dome which would have been the biggest in UK history had it succeeded. The diamonds were worth £200m) had been asleep during the trial. He admitted he had nodded off, but the description of his sleeping included snoring and his head slumping so far forward it nearly touched the bench.. However, it did not mean the convictions were unsafe, but the sentences were manifestly excessive. The CofA reduced two sentences from 18 years to 15 years and one of 15 and to 12 years. The judge, Mr Justice Davis has since retired.
News item here.