Rose Glanville successfully represented a defendant at Cardiff Crown Court at sentence, resisting a finding of dangerousness and the imposition of an extended sentence in a case involving multiple arsons. The result was a determinate sentence of 4 years 6 months’ imprisonment concurrent across all counts.
The defendant was originally charged with arson with intent to endanger life arising from a series of revenge attacks involving vehicles set alight across the country. The prosecution alleged serious aggravating features including revenge, threats, the use of accelerant, and significant psychological impact on victims. The offending was also committed whilst on court bail.
Rose defended the case at trial of issue and successfully preserved her client’s credit. Rose persuaded the Court on submissions that the defendant acted under coercion from a principal to whom he was in debt and that this coercion materially reduced categorisation from the highest culpability level. She further resisted a finding of dangerousness and the imposition of an extended sentence, arguing that the offending arose from a specific factual matrix without a fascination for fire. The judge accepted those submissions, agreeing that risk could be appropriately managed by a determinate sentence of 4 years 6 months custody concurrent across all counts.
Rose was instructed by Amelia Butt of Shanahans Solicitors.
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