The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred to the Court of Appeal the life sentence of Dean Collins for robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.
Mr Collins was convicted on 2 March 2002 at Kingston-on-Thames Crown Court and sentenced to life with a minimum recommended tariff of five years.
The prosecution contended that Mr Collins, who had previous convictions for offences including robbery and possession of a firearm at the time of committing a robbery, had attempted to rob pawnbrokers in Lower Marsh, London in December 2001. He was eventually arrested by armed officers.
In June 2002 the Single Judge dismissed an appeal by Mr Collins. He applied to the Commission in February 2003. Having considered guidance on sentencing and recent developments in case law, the Commission has decided to refer the case back to the Court of Appeal.
The Commission is the independent public body set up by Parliament in 1997 to investigate possible miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to decide if they should be referred to the appeal courts.
Mr Collins is not legally represented.
This press release was issued by Boris Worrall, Head of Communication, Criminal Cases Review Commission on 0121 633 1806 or 07947 355231.
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