Jessica Ashurst [2019] EWCA Crim 1784

The appellant’s child was with his father and grandmother for the evening. In drink, the appellant went to the house with two others and forced their way in to take the child, assaulting the grandmother and her 13-year-old daughter in the process. The appellant pleaded guilty; the grandmother was kicked to the neck and face and was left with multiple bruising and a minor head injury. The appellant was sentenced to 3 years and 3 months imprisonment.

Held: the sentence was manifestly excessive., insufficient regard was paid to the fact the appellant was the mother and primary carer for young children, and her incarceration would have a significant impact on them. The sentence was quashed and replaced with one of 30 months.