The Case

A sentence of four years for an offence of aiding and abetting cruelty to a child was manifestly excessive, when the defendant had kicked a bleeding child, who had been cut by a co-defendant. In all the circumstances, a sentence of three years would be appropriate. Maximum sentences of ten years were manifestly excessive for offences of cruelty to a child, and aiding and abetting cruelty to a child, when the defendants had inter alia put the complainant in a bag and threatened to throw her away, in the belief that she was possessed by spirits. The latter did little to reduce their culpability, but there were worse cases, involving prolonged cruelty, with lasting physical injury. Sentences of eight years were appropriate.