Back to Criminal Cases

GOODERE-BENNETT, Shannon

Case Reference: 42MR1452626

Case Details

Reference

42MR1452626

Court

Chelmsford

Magistrate

District Judge (MC) Williams

Hearing Date

28 April 2026

Time

10:00

Hearing Type

Sentence

Court Type

Prosecutor

CPS-EEE

Case Details

Racially / religiously aggravated intentional harassment / alarm / distress - words / writing Racially / religiously aggravated harassment / alarm / distress by words / writing / behaviour Assault a constable in the execution of his / her duty Criminal damage to property - value under £5000 Threat to damage / destroy property Assault by beating Racially / religiously aggravated harassment / alarm / distress by words / writing / behaviour Assault a constable in the execution of his / her duty Assault a constable in the execution of his / her duty Arrest by a constable for breaking / likely to break bail conditions - duty to surrender into the custody of a court Assault a constable in the execution of his / her duty Assault a constable in the execution of his / her duty Racially / religiously aggravated intentional harassment / alarm / distress - words / writing Assault a constable in the execution of his / her duty

Estimated Defendant Profile
Statistical Estimate

Notice: This profile is programmatically generated using statistical name metrics from the UK ONS Census and international records. It represents demographic likelihoods and should not be used as absolute factual personal records.

Gender Probability

Female

Likely Age

~22 years old

Predicted Nationality / Origin

British/Irish (GB)

Next Steps at this Sentencing

The sentencing hearing takes place after a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial. The judge or magistrates review the Sentencing Council guidelines, consider aggravating and mitigating factors, read any pre-sentence reports or victim personal statements, and decide the appropriate penalty.

Court Jurisdiction: Magistrates' Court - Magistrates' Courts handle virtually all summary offences (minor offences) and start the proceedings for serious offences. They are presided over by three volunteer Magistrates (advised by a legal advisor) or a single qualified District Judge. They do not have a jury.

UK Offence & Sentencing Guidelines

Common Assault / Battery

Common assault is committed when a person intentionally or recklessly causes another to apprehend immediate, unlawful violence. Battery is the actual application of unlawful force. No physical injury needs to occur.

Sentencing: Usually dealt with in the Magistrates' Court. Maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment, a community order, or a fine. If racially or religiously aggravated, it can be sent to the Crown Court with higher maximum penalties.
Harassment / Stalking

Engaging in a course of conduct (on at least two occasions) that causes alarm, distress, or fear of violence to another person, knowing or ought to know it amounts to harassment.

Sentencing: Summary harassment carries up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine. If the harassment causes fear of violence, or is racially or religiously motivated, it is triable either way and carries a maximum of 5 to 14 years imprisonment.
Disclaimer: The legal definitions and sentencing guidelines above are for general educational purposes under English Law and do not constitute formal legal representation or advice. If you are facing criminal prosecution, consult a qualified criminal defense solicitor immediately.

Case FAQs & Procedure Guide

The court considers the severity of the offence, the defendant's level of culpability (blameworthiness), the harm caused, any previous criminal record (aggravating factors), and positive character references or early guilty pleas (mitigating factors).

Sentences can include discharges (absolute or conditional), fines, community orders (unpaid work, rehabilitation), suspended prison sentences, or immediate custodial sentences (imprisonment).

Yes. The defense can appeal against the severity of the sentence, and the prosecution can appeal (in some serious Crown Court cases) if they believe the sentence was unduly lenient.

For a single summary/either-way offence, magistrates can sentence a defendant to a maximum of 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months for multiple either-way offences), alongside unlimited fines and community orders.

Magistrates are trained volunteers from the local community who sit in panels of three. A District Judge is a qualified legal professional who sits alone. Both have the same sentencing powers.

Common assault is committed when a person intentionally or recklessly causes another to apprehend immediate, unlawful violence. Battery is the actual application of unlawful force. No physical injury needs to occur.

Usually dealt with in the Magistrates' Court. Maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment, a community order, or a fine. If racially or religiously aggravated, it can be sent to the Crown Court with higher maximum penalties.

Engaging in a course of conduct (on at least two occasions) that causes alarm, distress, or fear of violence to another person, knowing or ought to know it amounts to harassment.

Summary harassment carries up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine. If the harassment causes fear of violence, or is racially or religiously motivated, it is triable either way and carries a maximum of 5 to 14 years imprisonment.

Interested in the outcome of this case? You can request more information by emailing the court directly using the Email Court button at the top of the page.

Discussion

Loading comments...

Leave a comment

Comments are anonymous and moderated.