Appeal judges rule over contempt sentences

The Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of a decision to jail two women who “intimidated” jurors during an assault trial. The court was told single mothers Stephanie Curtis and Laura Medlan were jailed after admitting contempt of court in relation to the incident, which occurred during the trial of Terry Tyler. Judge Paul Sloan QC handed 30-year-old Curtis a five-month prison term and 21-year-old Medlan a three-month sentence. Now, three appeal judges have backed the decision, saying they “entirely agreed” and refused to reduce the sentences. The pair, both from the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area, admitted contempt at Newcastle Crown Court in March. Appeal judges heard that the women had boarded the same bus as three jurors after following them when proceedings closed for the day. The court was told of a mobile phone conversation held by Curtis on board the bus, in which she spoke “unnaturally and clearly” of how “it was looking good” for Tyler. The jurors reported the incident to court staff, suggesting they felt “intimidated” by the incident. Tyler was sentenced to 30 months in prison after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm. We have one of the leading teams of criminal law specialists in West London and the South East. If you are facing a serious criminal charge, you can contact a member of the IBB’s Criminal Defence team, call us on 08456 381 381 or email criminaldefence@ibblaw.co.uk.