Aran Singphila [2019] EWCA Crim 1497

The appellant pleaded guilty to possession of a knuckleduster and was convicted of false imprisonment, blackmail and possession of cocaine with intent to supply. He was sentenced to a total term of 11 years’ imprisonment.

The appellant was driving when he saw the victim, who he said owed him money. He told him to get into the car and drove him around, against his will, for 3.5 hours. The victim was threatened with serious violence unless he met with the demands for money. The threats were reinforced by the appellant brandishing a golf club and the knuckleduster. The victim made calls to try and raise the money; one call was to his brother who recorded the threats made. When the appellant was arrested, his phone was seized and revealed he was, and had been for an appreciable time, operating as a street-level dealer in cocaine. The offences against the victim were said to have been committed in furtherance of the illegal business of dealing in drugs.

Held: in the circumstances, given the commission of serious offences, against the background of the on-going drug-dealing business, the total term was severe but not manifestly excessive.

The appeal was dismissed.