Sheffield man has sentence increased after robbery
Amaraze Khan has had his sentence increased following intervention by the then Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP
A man who robbed a disabled victim has had his sentence increased following intervention by the then Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP.
Derek Brian, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, left his front door slightly open after letting his cat out on 18 November 2019. A few seconds later, Amaraze Khan, 34, entered the property through the front door and questioned Mr Brian as to what he could steal.
Mr Brian manoeuvred his wheelchair towards his side table, attempting to reach his mobile phone. Khan quickly leaned over him and took the mobile phone. He then tipped Mr Brian out of his wheelchair and onto the floor before leaving the property. Mr Brian managed to call the police who assisted him back into his wheelchair and Khan was later arrested.
On 7 January 2021, Khan was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months’ imprisonment at Sheffield Crown Court. Following a referral to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme by the then Solicitor General, on 5 March the sentence was found to be unduly lenient and has been increased to a sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment with a 3 year extended licence.
After the hearing at the Court of Appeal, the now Attorney General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, said:
Khan targeted a vulnerable victim who could not defend himself. His cowardly actions have caused psychological harm to the victim and I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision today.