Victim impact statements must be dealt with properly. The sentencer should make no assumptions about the effect on the victim, and any particular distress caused should be made known to the sentencer. Any such evidence should be in standard form and served upon the defendant. Evidence from the victim should be taken with care where the defence would not be able to challenge it, and opinions from the victim and his or her family as to sentence should not be taken account of. Particular distress or a victim’s forgiveness might affect the sentence.
Judges:
Potter LJ, Garland J, Recorder of London
Citations:
Times 05-May-2000, [2000] EWCA Crim 34
Links:
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Criminal Sentencing
Updated: 14 June 2022; Ref: scu.87541