Victims granted six months to challenge lenient sentences
Victims and bereaved families will now have six months to challenge sentences they deem too lenient, a significant increase from the previous 28-day limit, reports BritPanorama.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves announced the change as part of efforts to reform the justice system to better support victims. Previously, families faced strict time constraints that often exacerbated their trauma during an already difficult period.
Tracey Hanson, whose son was killed in a knife attack in 2015, highlighted the impacts of the old time limit, explaining that her request to appeal a sentence was dismissed due to late submission. “These changes represent a hard-fought victory in ensuring that families are no longer left in the dark or rushed through a traumatising process during the most painful moments of their lives,” Hanson stated.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the importance of allowing victims sufficient time to gather their thoughts and seek counsel. “When someone’s been through the ordeal of seeking justice, the last thing they should be worrying about is a ticking clock,” he said. He added that the new policy aims to make the legal process more accessible to those affected by crime.
The change comes on the heels of recent high-profile cases, including that of Shaine March, who received a whole life sentence after his original term was deemed unduly lenient. March, previously released on licence in 2018, was convicted for the murder of Alana Odysseos, who was pregnant at the time of her death in July 2024.
The Solicitor General referred March’s case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentences scheme, where the initial penalty was overturned. The court replaced it with a new sentence, reflecting the severity of his crime.
The extension of the appeal period is designed to ensure fairness in the judicial process, underscoring a commitment to victim rights. “This change means they’ll have more time to do this — and most importantly, get the justice they deserve,” Lammy concluded.
The evolving landscape of sentencing appeals in the UK illustrates a growing recognition of the needs of victims in the justice system. The increase from 28 days to six months represents a significant step toward addressing these needs and reflects ongoing discussions about how best to support those impacted by crime.
As the justice system adapts, it will be critical to monitor how these changes affect victims’ experiences and whether they lead to a more equitable resolution in cases of unduly lenient sentences.
