All Cases
Sentencing Law
Court of Appeal
1970
England & Wales
R v Caird
[1970] 54 Cr App R 499
Independent editorial summary — not the official judgment. Read the full judgment via the source link.
This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Ratio Decidendi
Those who take part in mob violence must expect severe sentences. The courts must impose deterrent sentences where group disorder threatens public order.
Facts
The defendants participated in violent disorder at a university campus.
Judgment Summary
The Court of Appeal upheld custodial sentences, emphasising that mob violence requires deterrent sentencing regardless of individual roles.
Key Quotes
"Those who choose to take part in mob violence must expect to receive immediate sentences of imprisonment."
— Sachs LJ
Subsequent Treatment
Applied
Routinely cited in public disorder sentencing.
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