Tariffs

Tuesday 19 February 2002 - 10.00 am
Court 4
Royal Courts of Justice

The decision of the Lord Chief Justice on tariff in the case of Stephen David Siddons in accordance with the Practice Direction dated 27 July 2000 (The Times 9 August 2000)

1. Stephen David Siddons was convicted of murder and robbery on 26 November 1999 and sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's Pleasure. Siddons was born on 9 November 1981. He was aged 16 at the time of the offence, which occurred a few days prior to his seventeenth birthday. Siddons' co-accused, John Renshaw, was also convicted of murder and robbery and sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's Pleasure. Renshaw was 15 at the time of the offence and was also sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's Pleasure.

Facts of the Offence

2. On about 7 November 1998 Siddons and Renshaw robbed and murdered the 76 year old victim. The victim, Lily Knight, was a vulnerable woman. She lived on her own and had mental health problems. The crime was particularly horrific. Apart from the other physical violence that the victim suffered, an axe was used to inflict at least six blows to her head, causing multiple fractures. The victim was stripped and had bleach poured on her head wounds and on her pubic region.

3. At the time of the offence Siddons had a caution for burglary of a dwelling and a caution for possessing an offensive weapon. He had no previous convictions.

4. The trial judge formed the opinion that Siddons was particularly dangerous. He was of the view that Siddons probably wielded the axe. He expressed the opinion that Siddons' culpability was greater than that of his co-accused, on account of Renshaw's younger age and the part that Siddons played.

5. The trial judge recommended a tariff of 16 years for Siddons and 14 years for his co-accused. The Lord Chief Justice recommended shorter terms because of the youth of the defendants. He indicated a tariff of 14 years for Siddons. The Home Secretary has not set a tariff in this case. In the case of the younger offender the recommendation as 12 years.

Behaviour in prison

6. There have been reports in this case which I have not seen and copies of which are not available to the Prison Service. I have a recent report authored by the Personal Officer, Skibicki, the following is noted. Siddons' behaviour has fluctuated between acceptable and unacceptable. There is room for improvement. He has had three Governor's reports, although these occurred on his arrival; he appears to have settled in now. He failed an alcohol advisory service course for lack of attendance. He has refused to be assessed for the sex offender treatment programme, as recommended by the annual review board. The report states that Siddons "has yet to demonstrate any reduction in his risk to the public." I do not consider I need any further reports.

7. Siddons continues to deny involvement in the murder. He blames his co-accused. The report concludes that "Siddons needs to put more effort into trying to better himself whilst he is in prison, because at present he is not progressing." Representations on Siddons' behalf

8. I have read the representations made on Siddons' behalf on 13 September 2000, as well as the psychiatric reports referred to. I have taken these into consideration.

9. From the psychiatric reports I note the following. Siddons had an appalling childhood punctuated with marital strife between his parents and an extended exposure to violence and criminality. There are also suggestions that he was subjected to sexual abuse. He and his brother were placed on the Register and consideration was given to them being removed from their parents due to the home circumstances on a number of occasions.

The Victim's family

10. A letter has been received from the victim's son. I have also considered his views in reaching my conclusion.

Conclusion

11. There are no grounds for altering the recommendation of my predecessor Lord Bingham. I therefore recommend a tariff of 14 years.