Mohammed Hadi [2019] EWCA Crim 1910

The appellant changed his plea to guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. He was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment to run consecutively to an 8-year sentence imposed five months earlier at a different court.

The case was one of ‘courier fraud’ and was geographically widespread. The appellant was said to be one of two key players in the conspiracy. He provided the means to commit the fraud and had contacts to launder the money.

In sentencing, the judge said that the appellant was central to the fraud and fell squarely into category 1A of the guidelines. He had a very similar previous conviction for which he was serving a long sentence. This was a critical aggravating feature, not least because this fraud was committed while under investigation for the other offence. The judge said or those reasons a consecutive sentence would be imposed, but an adjustment would be made for totality.

The issue on appeal was the totality of the sentences.

Held: although the sentencing judge could have been clearer as regards the extent to which he adjusted the sentence for totality, the total sentence was not manifestly excessive. Both sentencing judges made observations about the wickedness of the fraud and the prominent role of the appellant.
The appeal was dismissed.