The client, a young man of good character, was intercepted upon arrival into Heathrow Airport by Border Control Officers, and charged with importation of cannabis with a street value of over £500,000. We were instructed by our client after he had entered a guilty plea to the offence, very shortly before the sentencing hearing. The client had been remanded into prison. The starting point for sentence was an immediate custodial sentence of 2 years.

Following liaising with various third parties, including those overseas, we collated a strong mitigation bundle for the sentencing hearing with a detailed sentencing note. The Judge recognised that the course he was taking in ordering his sentence was exceptional, and imposed a custodial sentence of 4 months, suspended for 12 months.

Peters & Peters’ Of Counsel, Rachel Cook and Trainee Solicitor, Ciara Murphy, acted. Instructed counsel was Gabriele Watts of 2 Hare Court.