On Thursday 8 February, Thom Dyke, of 9 Gough Square Chambers successfully represented JO, a GT Stewart client, in an application for an appeal against sentence at the Court of Appeal.

JO had pleaded guilty to breach of a ten year old restraining order and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

JO’s trial solicitors and barrister gave negative advice on appeal but, having fully investigated the circumstances, GT Stewart believed that the sentence given was manifestly excessive and instructed counsel to advise in respect of this.

The case was heard before the full Court of Appeal and, having heard Counsel’s submissions, agreed that the sentence was manifestly excessive.

The Court of Appeal quashed the original sentence and replaced it with a 12 month sentence.

JO was represented by Thom Dyke, of 9 Gough Square Chambers and Greg Stewart and Katie McFadden of GT Stewart Solicitors.

GT Stewart’s appeals team specialise in out of time appeals. If you have an enquiry, please contact AppealsTeam@gtstewart.co.uk