Butterworth, John

John Butterworth was convicted in September 2019 of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and criminal damage.

Mr Butterworth received an extended sentence of 14 years and 11 weeks’ imprisonment (including a five-year extended licence period).

The CCRC received an application for review of Mr Butterworth’s sentence in December 2020.

At sentencing, the judge concluded that Mr Butterworth’s offence fell within “category 1” (the highest category) of the relevant sentencing guidelines, as the victim had suffered “greater harm” and there was “higher culpability” on the part of Mr Butterworth.

Following review, the CCRC concluded that there was a real possibility the Court of Appeal would reduce Mr Butterworth’s sentence on the basis of new legal argument that the offence did not involve “greater harm” and was therefore a “category 2” case.

This took account of subsequent revisions to the sentencing guidelines and of decisions of the Court of Appeal.

The CCRC referred the sentence in June 2022.

The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence in October 2022.