Coleman, Robert

Robert Coleman was convicted in May 1996 of burglary, taking a conveyance without authority, driving whilst disqualified, and using a vehicle without insurance.

Mr Coleman received a sentence of four years’ imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for seven years (reduced to four years on appeal).

The CCRC received an application for review of the sentence in August 1998.

When sentenced, Mr Coleman was already serving a nine-month sentence passed by another court.

After Mr Coleman was sentenced and taken down, the judge directed that the four-year sentence for these offences be served consecutive to the nine-month sentence he was already serving.

Neither Mr Coleman nor his solicitor were present when this direction was made.

The CCRC concluded that this order was made in breach of clear authority that a sentence imposed in the absence of a defendant or legal representative is void.

The CCRC referred the sentence in December 1998.

The Court of Appeal reduced the sentence in February 1999.