Looker, Cheri

Cheri Looker was convicted in August 1996 of attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm. Ms Looker received a sentence of ten years’ imprisonment.

The CCRC received an application for review of Ms Looker’s sentence in January 1999.

During review, the CCRC obtained new expert psychiatric evidence, not available at trial, that Ms Looker had not only committed the offence as a result of the psychological domination of her boyfriend and a previous partner, but was also clinically depressed at the time of the offence.

The CCRC considered this history made Ms Looker more likely to comply with her co-defendant’s demands in committing the robbery and that therefore there was a real possibility the Court of Appeal would reduce her sentence.

The CCRC referred the sentence in June 2000.

The Court of Appeal reduced Ms Looker’s sentence in October 2000.