Last Friday, the Court of Appeal handed down an important judgment on the interpretation of the Sentencing Guidelines on credit for an early guilty plea – R v Plaku and others. In this Briefing Note, Philip Stott takes a look at the outcome of this guideline case and the ramifications for all defence practitioners.
This is vital reading for all those who are involved in advising suspects and defendants at the early stages of the criminal process, both at the police station and pre-charge, as well as at the first appearance at the Magistrates’ Court.
The provisions of the Bill make far-reaching changes to the law regarding the state’s power to authorise criminal activity and have attracted considerable public scrutiny, and criticism, so far.
You can read the Briefing Note here.
Philip Stott