R v Elvis Grant, Lamar Grant, Jamal Grant

This case involved the appeal against sentences for murder and manslaughter by Elvis Grant, Lamar Grant, and Jamal Grant.

TLDR:

• Elvis and Jamal Grant were convicted of murder.
• Lamar Grant was convicted of manslaughter.
• All three were also convicted of perverting the course of justice.
• The Court of Appeal upheld the sentences imposed by the trial judge.

The case arose from an incident on 1 June 2022, where Devon Jensen-Wallace was attacked by the three defendants on St Raphael's Estate in north-west London. The attack was motivated by a previous altercation in 2018 where Jamal Grant was stabbed by the victim. On the day of the murder, the Grants confronted Jensen-Wallace, with Jamal and Elvis wielding machetes and Lamar carrying a baseball bat.

During the trial, the jury found Jamal and Elvis Grant guilty of murder and perverting the course of justice, while Lamar Grant was convicted of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice. The trial judge sentenced Jamal and Elvis to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years, and Lamar to a total of 15 years' imprisonment.

In their appeal, Jamal and Elvis Grant argued that the trial judge gave too much weight to aggravating factors and insufficient weight to mitigating factors, particularly the lack of intent to kill. They also contended that their previous convictions were given undue consideration. Lamar Grant's appeal focused on the argument that his role in the attack was minor and that the judge incorrectly categorized his culpability.

The Court of Appeal reviewed the trial judge's assessment and found that the aggravating factors, including the group nature of the attack, the degree of planning, and the public nature of the crime, were appropriately considered. The court also upheld the judge's decision to impose a consecutive sentence for perverting the course of justice.

The appeals by Jamal and Elvis Grant were dismissed, with the court finding no arguable grounds for reducing their sentences. The court also dismissed Lamar Grant's appeal, agreeing with the trial judge's categorization of his culpability and finding that the sentence was not manifestly excessive.

This case underscores the importance of considering both aggravating and mitigating factors in sentencing, and the Court of Appeal's role in ensuring that sentences are proportionate to the crimes committed.

Legal representatives: Mr. N Karbhari for Elvis Grant, Mr. M Ivers KC for Lamar Grant, Mr. P Rouch KC for Jamal Grant, Mr. B O'Neill KC for the Crown.

Judicial Panel: Lord Justice Edis, Mr. Justice Murray, His Honour Judge Dennis Watson KC.

Case Citation Reference: [2024] EWCA Crim 603