R v Leighton

The respondent appealed against her sentence for multiple offences, including armed robbery and assault occasioning bodily harm. The court was tasked with determining whether the sentence was manifestly excessive or inadequate. The respondent had pleaded guilty to several charges, involving the use of a syringe to threaten vulnerable women, resulting in physical and psychological harm. The respondent had a troubled past, marked by a history of criminal behaviour and personal trauma, including childhood sexual abuse. Additionally, she suffered from chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, a chronic depressive disorder, and a heroin dependence disorder. The sentencing judge had imposed an eight-year imprisonment term, which the respondent contested as excessive. The court considered the nature and circumstances of the offences, the respondent's criminal history, her background, and her remorse. The court found that while the crimes were serious, the sentence was indeed manifestly excessive. Consequently, the court granted the respondent's appeal and reduced the sentence to six years imprisonment, with a new parole eligibility date.