Man released from prison after successful appeal

Monday 12 February 2018

Ian Lewell, 44, has had his prison sentence reduced to a suspended sentence, after appealing against his sentence for assaulting a nightclub doorman on 17 November, 2017.

At an appeal hearing before Guernsey's Royal Court yesterday, Lewell had his previous custodial sentence of nine months reduced to a seven month suspended. He was immediately released from custody having been previously held in custody at Les Nicolles Prison since he was sentenced on 4 January.

Lewell's advocate lodged the appeal immediately after sentencing on 4 January.

In reducing his sentence the Judge explained that new evidence had been shown to the jury. He explained that video footage from the night in question illustrated that excessive force was not used in the assault and therefore Lewell's offence did not warrant an immediate custodial sentence.

In passing the amended sentence of a seven month suspended sentence the judge stated directly to Lewell that this was on condition he abstain from alcohol and complied with testing to ensure this was done.

Judge Finch continued to explain that failure to comply with these conditions would lead to a further seven months in prison and the risk of a longer sentence.

With these conditions in place Lewell was released from custody with immediate effect and was free to leave the court.