Mr GM

Mr GM was convicted in August 2013 of offences including possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of ammunition. He was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment.  

The CCRC received an application for review of the sentence in March 2024.

After Mr GM’s conviction, it was determined by the Home Office that Mr GM was a victim of modern slavery with forced criminality during 1999 to 2005 and 2013.  His counsel at his original sentencing hearing was unaware that there was evidence suggesting he was a victim of human trafficking. 

In May 2013 police surveillance showed Mr GM passing a small bag to his co-defendant, which was then thrown from the window of a taxi. The taxi was stopped, and a loaded pistol was found under the front passenger seat. Live rounds were also found.  

In June 2013 Mr GM’s house was searched and £3,000 worth of drugs were found.  

Mr GM pleaded guilty on the basis that he was the custodian of the firearm, ammunition and the drugs. He attempted to appeal his sentence, and while the court reduced one of the sentences, it was running concurrent to a longer one, so it did not impact the overall ten-year sentence.   

Based on the information provided to the CCRC, as well as a detailed review of the case, the CCRC considered that there was a real possibility the Court of Appeal would find Mr GM to be a victim of human trafficking and reduce his sentence accordingly.  

The CCRC referred the sentence on January 2025.