The Court of Appeal has upheld the prison sentence of a Kent man who horrifically threatened to "chop up" his victim, dismissing arguments that the original punishment was too harsh.
Judges ruled that the 27-month sentence handed down at Canterbury Crown Court was "entirely appropriate" given the gravity of the threats made by 31-year-old Reece Dempster from Margate.
Chilling Threats in Broad Daylight
The court heard how Dempster approached his victim in a public car park in May 2023, issuing graphic threats of violence while brandishing a weapon. Witnesses reported hearing him shout "I'm going to chop you up" during the terrifying confrontation.
Appeal Judges Unmoved
Dempster's legal team argued the sentence was "manifestly excessive", but the Solicitor General successfully defended the original decision. Lord Justice William Davis stated: "This was a sustained incident involving serious threats with a weapon in a public place. The sentence properly reflected the danger posed."
The ruling reinforces judicial commitment to tough sentences for violent threats, particularly when they occur in public spaces and involve weapons.
