Sentenced in the absence of defence counsel

2022 saw some counsel refuse to attend court in direct support of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) days of action.

As a result, there were instances where some offenders were sentenced in the absence of defence counsel.

An offender sentenced in the absence of defence counsel might have been sentenced unlawfully and so an appeal against sentence might be merited, especially where the absence of representation was not the offender’s choice or making.

The Court of Appeal recently considered this very issue in the case of HANH TUYET NGUYEN [2022] EWCA Crim 1444

For the full transcript please see:

Nguyen, R. v [2022] EWCA Crim 1444 (04 November 2022) (bailii.org)

If you were sentenced in the absence of defence counsel you might wish to speak to one of our lawyers in confidence. Please contact the Public Defender Service at any one of our four offices. We are available 24hours a day, 365 days of the year.

Cheltenham: 01242 548270

Darlington: 01352 289480

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