As part of his work as Solicitor General, Michael reviews Unduly Lenient Sentences, and then can refer them back to the Court of Appeal for review. He recently referred the case of a driver who killed a young woman. The driver was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Keilan Roberts (22), from Rhymney, Caerphilly County, has had his three years and nine months prison sentence overturned by the Court of Appeal and increased to five years and three months after Michael made the referral. Roberts also saw his driving disqualification increased from 10 years to 12 years and seven-and-a-half months.
Michael said:
“This was a tragic case where a young person died because of the offender’s reckless actions. I want to express my sincere sympathies to Chloe’s family for their loss.
“When you get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence you are not only putting yourself in danger but your passengers and everyone else on the road. The court’s decision to increase the sentence should serve as a strong warning that reckless behaviour will be punished to the full extent of the law."