We represented RP, a child charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm (S.20 GBH). RP was of previous good character. It was the Crown’s case that RP had punched another young person twice in an unprovoked attack resulting in extensive dental work being required. RP pleaded guilty to this offence but the Court asked for a report considering whether a Detention and Training Order (DTO) was an appropriate sentence given the seriousness of the offence. At RP’s sentencing hearing, we put forward lengthy legal submissions that given RP’s age at the time of the offence, he could not be sentenced to a DTO unless he was a persistent offender, which he was not. After considering our arguments, the Court agreed and sentenced RP to 12 month referral order.

RP was represented by Sabrina Neves of our East Dulwich Office.