Dobbie sentencing hearing

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richardb
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Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by richardb »

I thought it might help if I set out the procedures at Dobbie’s sentencing hearing tomorrow so that those who attend can follow what happens more easily.


1. The legal representatives are introduced. It will probably be Abigail Husbands for the prosecution and a woman for Dobbie (it looks like Elizabeth Miller as she is the only name on both his digital files);
2. The prosecution would then usually outline the facts of the offences to the judge. The names of the victims may be mentioned in open court but there may be some anonymising. In any case, they are entitled to anonymity for life unless they waive it, so they cannot be named on the forum.
This stage may be cut short as the judge presided over both trials and heard all the evidence. My recollection is that the prosecution opening of the facts for Husband’s sentence was less than full as he had been convicted a few days earlier
3. As part of the prosecution opening, the court will hear Victim Impact statements from all of the victims who wish to describe the effect of Dobbie’s offending upon them. If they wish to do so, the victims can read the statements personally or they can be read by the prosecutor;
4. Any ancillary applications made by the prosecution will be outlined at this stage. I expect a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life which will prohibit Dobbie from being alone with anyone under the age of 18. There may also be Restraining Orders to prevent him from contacting his victims;
5. The prosecutor will also say where it is said that the offences fall on the Sentencing Guidelines;
6. The defence will then have the opportunity to mitigate on behalf of Dobbie. I cannot for a moment think of anything that can possibly make any difference at all to his sentence (bearing in mind he was convicted after trail twice, having denied the offences), but the defence will no doubt have glowing character references and point to his good work both within the church and as a teacher;
7. At this point the judge may adjourn to consider what the appropriate sentence is;
8. When passing sentence, the judge will impose a sentence for each offence and direct these to be either consecutive or concurrent to each other. What matters is what the total sentence is. The judge will also make the ancillary orders (SHPO and RO);
9. During the sentencing stage, the judge may impose a victim surcharge which is essentially a tax on being sentenced. Due to the dates of the convictions, I don’t think it applies in this case.

I hope that this helps. Any queries, feel free to ask.
richardb
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by richardb »

The hearing is listed in court 4 at Hove at 2 pm.
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J.R.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by J.R. »

Won't get far with a late start.
Jury sworn in and that'll be about it.
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richardb
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by richardb »

Dobbie is for sentence. Already been convicted by two juries.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by J.R. »

My apologies. Old age creeping on.
So many teachers. So much confusion.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by marty »

Now showing as having started at 14.01 in Court 1 @ Hove.

The school has had someone in attendance at most of the hearings and the Old Blue page on the CH website has usually been first with any information so my advice would be to check there first:

https://www.christs-hospital.org.uk/old ... e-updates/
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by yossarian »

Apparently he got 12 years.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by richardb »

If true, that is scandalous.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by Gingerbeard17 »

12? That's half what Higgens got; is sporting abuse "worse " than school?
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by J.R. »

I haven't checked yet. If true, I'm astounded.

I await Richard's viewpoint with interest.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by J.R. »

Bob Higgins got 20 years for a catalogue of crimes whilst youth coaching at 2 FA clubs.

I also fail to see the massive difference in sentencing.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

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Ma A, Mid A 65 -72
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by richardb »

Argus website is reporting 12 years. I am stunned.

I intend to ask the Attorney General to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal for review.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by J.R. »

Well done Richard.
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Re: Dobbie sentencing hearing

Post by sejintenej »

yossarian wrote: Wed Jun 12, 2019 4:31 pm Apparently he got 12 years.
We don't know if this is consecutive or concurrent. Hopefully it is consecutive which means a total of 29 years for a 67 year old. Not much to look forward to when/if he gets out.

IF he survives what other prisoners have in store for him then he has to hope he doesn't get ill. Prison seems not to be a hospital - it was reported that when one prisoner was diagnosed with cancer the only treatment he was given was paracetamol until he died in prison.
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