Silas Lee Successful in Sentencing Reduction in the Court of Appeal

Silas Lee appeared for the appellant, a former Teaching Assistant and popular YouTuber in a sentencing appeal before the Court of Appeal concerning offences involving the distribution of indecent images of children and voyeurism.

The offences were serious and involved the sharing of Category A indecent images as well as non-consensual photography. The case raised several issues regarding the appropriate approach to sentencing where multiple sexual offences are involved.

At Lewes Crown Court the appellant had received a total sentence of three years’ immediate imprisonment following guilty pleas.

On appeal, the Court of Appeal considered:

• the appropriate sentencing starting points for the offences
• the weight given to personal mitigation
• whether the deletion of images and communications amounted to an attempt to conceal evidence or indicated desistance
• whether the voyeurism offence properly involved an abuse of trust

The Court allowed the appeal, concluding that the starting points adopted were too high and that insufficient weight had been given to mitigating factors. The sentence was reduced to two years’ imprisonment and suspended.

Silas Lee was instructed by Toby Brothers of Toby Brothers Solicitors.