Immediate Prison Sentence Avoided in Drugs Importation Case

Our client was charged with importing drugs with the intention to evade a prohibition or restriction under the Customs and Exercise Act 1979. It was said that our client had brought a suitcase containing approximately 18kg of cannabis into the UK via Heathrow Airport from Thailand.

Following an early guilty plea, our client’s case was committed to the Crown Court for sentence. Having taken detailed instructions from our client, we deemed it necessary to obtain expert reports addressing her mental health and background. We successfully persuaded the Court that her personal circumstances and mental health ought to be taken into consideration and to adjourn sentence to allow for the preparation of such reports.  

Given there are no definitive sentencing guidelines for the offence, we were able to advise our client on the likely sentence she may receive based on case law and guidelines for offences of a similar nature. This included, one of immediate custody.

Both psychiatric and psychological reports were served upon the Court detailing our client’s current mental health position and the impact upon her decision making at the time. During the sentence hearing, the CPS served new material relating to our client’s involvement in the offence in attempts to determine a higher role in the offending, however the Judge accepted that out client had been put under pressure.

Our client received an 18-month custodial sentence suspended for 2 years. This meant our vulnerable client avoided an immediate custodial term and instead will be able to be provided with professional support and focus on her mental health in the community.

Our client was thrilled with the outcome stating: ‘I am so happy with the result, I'm very grateful and thankful and can finally start to move on. Thanks so much for everything Katie and the patience you showed me, all your efforts have not gone unnoticed, I appreciate it so much.’ 

Katie Lobo had conduct of this case. Charlie Austin-Groome of Crucible Chambers represented our client at sentence.