JONATHAN DEVONSHIRE SLASHED SENTENCE IN MILTON KEYNES CHILD SEX CASE AT LONDON APPEAL

In a significant legal development, a young man from Milton Keynes, Jonathan Devonshire, has seen his prison sentence considerably reduced following an appeal concerning his conviction for engaging in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl. The case, which drew considerable attention due to the nature of the offenses and the defendant's known condition, took place at Aylesbury Crown Court and was later reviewed by the Court of Appeal in London.

Initially, in February, Devonshire, aged 20 and residing on Radstock Crescent, Broughton, was sentenced to two years and four months in a young offenders’ institution after admitting to two counts of sexual activity with a child. The court heard that Devonshire had engaged in repeated sexual encounters with the underage girl, despite being fully aware that she was below the age of consent. The court was informed that these acts occurred before police were alerted by the girl’s family, leading to his arrest.

During the proceedings, it was acknowledged that Devonshire has Asperger’s syndrome, a condition that can affect social understanding and judgment. The judge at the initial trial recognized this, stating that his condition had diminished his appreciation of the consequences of his actions. Nonetheless, it was clear that Devonshire was aware that his conduct was wrong, and he had no prior criminal record, which was considered in the sentencing.

Following the conviction, Devonshire’s legal team, led by barrister James Fletcher, challenged the severity of the sentence, arguing that it was “manifestly excessive” given his disability and the fact that he had made frank admissions early in the process. The appeal was heard by three senior judges at London’s Appeal Court, including Sir Colin Mackay, Lord Justice Jackson, and Mr Justice Andrew Smith.

During the hearing, Devonshire appeared via video link, dressed in a white T-shirt, as the judges reviewed the case. Sir Colin Mackay acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but also noted that Devonshire was not considered a dangerous individual and had no previous convictions. The judge emphasized that while the acts were serious and involved aggravating factors, the original sentence was disproportionate.

Sir Colin stated, “There is force in the submission, although it does not justify going to the extent that Mr Fletcher invites us to go by considering a non-custodial sentence. It was a significantly serious matter, with the aggravating factors which we have mentioned, but, in our judgment, the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive.”

As a result, the court reduced Devonshire’s sentence to 18 months, effectively allowing the appeal. The judges concluded that the original sentence was too harsh given the circumstances, and the reduction reflects a more appropriate punishment considering his condition and the facts of the case.