Olanrewaju Bolaji Otukoya [2019] EWCA Crim 1056

The applicant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud contrary to the Common Law, two co-conspirators had already been dealt with as the applicant had absconded to Nigeria and was extradited. He was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment.

The applicant was the banker for a conspiracy to defraud where high value cheques were stolen by two corrupt Royal Mail employees and paid into accounts he set up. The stolen cheques amounted to around £2m and he was a 40% beneficiary.

Held: a sentence of 5 years given his role and the aggravating factors, balanced against mitigating factors, was not arguably excessive. Permission was refused.