Legal News
Teen Looter Has Sentence Halved Following Difficulty Sleeping (10 October 2011)
Date: 10/10/2011
A teenager looter who acted during the August civil unrest has had his jail sentence halved following having difficulties sleeping. 17-year-old Joshua Penney claimed to have been caught up in a “mob mentality” during the looting of a Sainsbury’s store in Manchester. Mr. Penney was arrested outside the store, where he was found to be clutching a bottle of alcohol. The teenager was handed eight months’ detention following informing a judge that he felt “like scum” following looting the store.
Mr. Penney made history as the first rioter in the UK to have his prison term reduced on appeal after his barrister claimed that he was suffering from “extreme anxiety” following his jailing and was sleeping only a couple of hours at night. Judge Michael Henshell rejected a plea from Mr. Penney’s barrister to free him immediately. Instead, Judge Henshell halved Mr. Penney’s sentence.
Mr. Penney joined a mob who stole cigarettes and alcohol during the rioting in the centre of Manchester in August. Mr. Penney pleaded guilty to charges of burglary during his first appearance at youth court. Mr. Penney, of Chorlton, was described by his defence as a “gifted young man” yet is believed to have attended a special education unit for excluded pupils. His head teacher had written to the court to inform them of her worries about Mr. Penney’s mental health following his detention.
Duncan Lewis’ prison law solicitors are able to defend prisoners’ rights. The team will provide the best possible legal advice and support, regardless of the crime committed.