A suspended sentence after multiple Crown Court cases

In September 2026, Peter Bonner & Co represented a young client sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court for offences arising from three separate cases. These included dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, possession of cannabis, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and handling stolen goods.

The court had to consider the seriousness of the offending as a whole, the client’s age when some offences were committed, his individual role, and his prospects of rehabilitation.

The judge reached a total sentence of 33 months. After allowing credit for guilty pleas, the sentence was 22 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. The court imposed unpaid work, rehabilitation and programme requirements, GPS monitoring, a driving disqualification and a criminal behaviour order.

Anne Asfaw of 15 New Bridge Street Chambers represented the client at the sentencing hearing. Her submissions addressed the client’s role in the offences, the appropriate credit, totality and whether the sentence could be suspended. The judge considered the decision carefully and gave the client an opportunity to demonstrate lasting change.

A suspended sentence carries demanding conditions and can be activated if its terms are breached. For this client and his family, the decision nevertheless meant he could begin that work in the community.

Peter Bonner & Co represents clients at every stage of criminal proceedings, including sentence and committal to the Crown Court. If you need advice, contact info@peterbonner.co.uk.

Every case turns on its own facts. This result does not predict the outcome of another case.