Three men have had their sentences increased following an intervention by the Solicitor General, the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP.
Sean Riley, 29, Jason Smith, 22, and Ethan Smith, 20, violently attacked a man on 1 January 2021. They carried out their attack using a hammer, with at least 6 blows being inflicted to their victim's head.
The victim suffered life changing injuries, including multiple skull fractures and fractures to his jaw, a reduction in his mobility and the loss of all but three of his teeth.
On 17 May 2021 all three men were convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to do grievous bodily harm at Durham Crown Court. Sean Riley and Jason Smith were each sentenced to 6 years and 11 months' imprisonment, while Ethan Smith was sentenced to 6 years and 11 months' detention in a Young Offender Institution.
On 22 July 2021, in a joint hearing at the Court of Appeal, their sentences were found to be unduly lenient. Sean Riley's and Jason Smith's sentences were increased to 8 years and 6 months' imprisonment, while Ethan Smith's sentence was increased to 8 years and 6 months' detention in a Young Offender Institution.
After the hearing at the Court of Appeal, the Solicitor General, The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP, said:
These men brutally attacked their victim, leaving him with serious and debilitating injuries. I am glad that the Court of Appeal saw fit to increase their sentences today.
