Lawton LJ confirmed the need for deterrent sentencing in cases of communication information likely to be of assistance to an enemy: ‘Anyone, particularly those in the Armed Services and Government Service who is tempted, whether by money, threats of blackmail or ideology, to communicate sensitive information to a potential enemy, should have in mind what happened to this applicant. This is particularly so nowadays when, because of the developments in the gathering and storing of information by electronic means, those in comparatively lowly positions often have access to material which could endanger the security of the state if it got into the wrong hands.’
Lawton LJ
[1983] 5 CAR (S) 127
England and Wales
Cited by:
Cited – James, Regina v CACD 25-Jun-2009
The defendant appealed against his conviction for communicating information likely to be useful to an enemy. His sentence was heavier because of the trust placed in him as an army officer, but the relationship with the foreign power had not fully . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Criminal Sentencing, Armed Forces
Updated: 23 December 2021; Ref: scu.373760