Steven Phillipson was found guilty of four charges, including attempted murder, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh earlier this year.

The 34-year-old had been a passenger in a vehicle when he repeatedly grabbed the steering wheel and pulled up the handbrake while travelling on the A941 in Moray.

This caused the car to veer off the road and roll over, endangering the lives and causing injury to the female driver and two child passengers.

He was also found guilty of assaulting the woman and one of the children on the same day as the crash, as well as holding her and the two children in a property against their will. 

On 16 July 2025, at the High Court in Inverness, Phillipson was given an extended sentence of nine years and one month with seven years and one month in custody.

The Crown asked the Appeal Court to consider imposing a more severe sentence due to the serious nature of the offences and for public protection.  

The Appeal Court upheld the appeal, quashing the original sentence and imposing a 13 year extended sentence with 11 years in custody. 

Laura Buchan, legal director for the Crown Office, said: “The decision to increase Steven Phillipson’s sentence reinforces that taking action against those who abuse women and children is our priority.

“This man’s reckless actions showed a clear intent to harm, with a high level of culpability and disregard for the safety of others. Unduly lenient appeals play a crucial role in ensuring sentencing decisions reflect the gravity of the offence, the offender’s responsibility, and any aggravating factors.”