Georgia Faulke Secures Suspended Sentence on Possession with Intent to Supply Class A Drugs

Georgia Faulke, instructed by Katie Barlow of Russell & Russell Solicitors, represented a defendant charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Ordinarily, cases involving a significant role and Category 3 harm attract a starting point of 4.5 years of immediate imprisonment based on established sentencing guidelines.

In this case, Georgia Faulke made detailed submissions on the applicable sentencing guidelines. She successfully persuaded the Judge to adopt a lower starting point by highlighting the specific circumstances of the case and referencing the newly issued imposition guidelines. These guidelines advise courts to consider a range of factors when sentencing female defendants, acknowledging the unique challenges and vulnerabilities that may be present.

Several mitigating factors were presented on behalf of the defendant including the fact that there were no previous convictions, she was a postnatal female without the support of a partner, highlighting her vulnerable personal circumstances, and there was a history of a very difficult upbringing, further contextualising her situation and reducing her culpability.

The pre-sentence report noted that no punitive elements were deemed suitable for the defendant. Despite this potential obstacle, Georgia Faulke was able to address the report’s concerns and persuade the Judge of the appropriateness of a non-custodial sentence.

As a result of these submissions and the weight of the mitigation, the Judge imposed a Suspended Sentence Order (SSO) of 24 months, suspended for 18 months, with no additional punitive elements attached. This outcome is notable given the usual expectation of immediate custody for offences of this type and seriousness.

Georgia Faulke and Katie Barlow of Russell & Russell Solicitors both regularly deal with vulnerable defendants charged with serious criminal offences, for more information please contact Criminal Clerk, George Hooley.