A man who repeatedly kicked a woman in the face following a funeral in Middlesbrough could face a longer sentence, after his current punishment was referred to the Court of Appeal as potentially too lenient.
Dominic Smith, 23, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence in October after admitting to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. But now, the Attorney General’s Office has referred the case under the unduly lenient sentence scheme, with an appeal hearing set for January 23 in London.
Teesside Crown Court previously heard how Smith, then 19, launched the attack hours after a funeral, during a gathering at the victim’s home. Following a verbal dispute, he pushed her to the ground and began kicking her in the face “more than once” as her sister screamed for him to stop.
The woman was left unresponsive when police arrived and spent four days in hospital, requiring surgery for a fractured jaw.
Smith later told police the woman had attacked him first, but admitted punching, pushing, and kicking her three times, the final blow rendering her unconscious.
Despite the severity of the injuries, the sentencing judge opted for a suspended sentence, citing Smith’s previous good character, low risk of reoffending, and prospects for rehabilitation. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and pay £300 in compensation at £5 per week from his benefits.
The referral means Smith could now face a tougher sentence if the Court of Appeal agrees the original punishment was too lenient.