Hartwell, Elliott

Elliott Hartwell was convicted in November 2010 of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Mr Hartwell received a sentence of 14 years and eight months’ imprisonment.

Mr Hartwell’s case was brought to the attention of the CCRC by the Registrar of Criminal Appeals in January 2016.

In the light of information disclosed during the course of his appeal against conviction, Mr Hartwell’s representatives sought to re-open his appeal against sentence.

On 15 December 2015, the Court of Appeal concluded that they had no jurisdiction to hear an appeal against sentence, a previous appeal having been determined, but invited the CCRC to consider the matter.

The prosecution had made concessions regarding Mr Hartwell’s role in the conspiracy which amounted to new information that raised a real possibility Mr Hartwell’s sentence would be reduced if referred to the Court of Appeal.

The CCRC referred the sentence in February 2016.

The Court of Appeal reduced the sentence in March 2016.