00:00Sentence. On grace negligence, Mermes fault. In your case, Mark Gordon, there will be an extended sentence of imprisonment amounting to 18 years, with a custodial term of 14 years and an extension period of four years.
00:15In my judgment, Gordon, in your case, the dangerousness test is met. I have given consideration to the provisions of Section 285 of the Sentencing Act 2020, and whether the seriousness of the offence, or the offence or one or more of the other offences associated with it, was such as to justify the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment for life. However, I do not find it to be. There will be the extended sentence that I have passed upon you.
00:40Martin, in your case, as the dangerousness test is not met, there will be a determinate sentence, a sentence of 14 years' imprisonment. In your case, I have given consideration as to whether the custodial sentence should be of the same length as that passed or inspected Mark Gordon or not. Having reflected on the issue, I am of view that the custodial terms should be of the same length.
01:01The issues around future risks have led me to the conclusion that Mark Gordon should be the subject of an extended sentence, and there is therefore that distinction between the two of you.
01:11On count one, concealing the birth, the sentence in each of your cases are ones of 18 months' imprisonment.
01:18Count two, child neglect, the sentence in each of your cases, again, ones of 18 months' imprisonment.
01:24On count five, perverting the course of public justice, the sentence in each of your cases are ones of five years' imprisonment.
01:32The sentences on counts one, two and five are to be concurrent to each other and concurrent to the sentences on count four.
01:39Gordon, in your case, what that means is likely you will serve two-thirds of that custodial term that I have imposed.
01:46If released at the end of that custodial term or at the two-thirds point, you will be on licence until the expiry of the extended period of licence in your case.
01:56Martin, in your case, you will serve two-thirds of the sentence I have imposed and then be released on licence.
02:03Released on licence, you are subject to the terms of that until the expiry of the custodial term.
02:08As the statutory surcharge clearly applies here, the appropriate orders can be drawn up.
02:15Before I leave this case, this was clearly a difficult and painstaking investigation for which many police officers were involved.
02:24I express my sincere thanks to all of those involved.
02:27Inevitably, some officers will have undertaken a significant amount of work to bring a case of this nature to court and to a conclusion.
02:37And I would particularly wish to commend Ian Valentine, Martha Bourne and Leanne Cowdery for their commitment and work on this case.
02:44Thank you very much.
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