Knifepoint robbers have sentences increased
Two men who robbed 3 properties at knifepoint have had their sentences increased after the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP referred the case to the Court of Appeal.
Two men who robbed 3 properties at knifepoint have had their sentences increased after the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP referred the case to the Court of Appeal.
On 20 March 2021, Alfie Spain, 26, and Freddie Hanratty, 20, armed themselves with knives and travelled from London to the Isle of Sheppey where they robbed three householders at knifepoint.
At the first property, the victim was seen running into the road with a stab wound to his right shoulder, the offenders chased and lunged at him. At the second property, the offenders broke into the house with knives and wore black latex gloves. 皇冠体育appy smashed 4 mobile phones and stole 拢200 in cash and a moped. 皇冠体育appy then forced their way into another property, where 2 young children aged 3 and 6 were present. 皇冠体育app offenders held a kitchen knife to one of the victims faces and demanded money. Hanratty also threatened to kill the victim if he called the police.
On 27 September at Maidstone Crown Court, both were found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, and having an article with a blade or point. Spain was sentenced to 6 years鈥� imprisonment, and Hanratty was sentenced to 4 years鈥� imprisonment.
Following the sentencing, the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP, referred their sentences to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
On 10 December the Court of Appeal found their original sentences to be unduly lenient and increased Spain鈥檚 sentence to 8 years and 3 months鈥� imprisonment, and Hanratty鈥檚 to 6 years鈥�.
Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP said:
Spain and Hanratty set off from London with the sole intention of committing these violent robberies. 皇冠体育appy inflicted a terrible ordeal on the occupants of the properties they targeted, and the victims will be suffering the effects for a long time. I hope the Court鈥檚 decision to increase these sentences can bring some comfort to all of those affected.