The AG sought to refer to the court as unduly lenient a sentence of 100 hours community service for causing death by dangerous driving. The had been seen driving erratically along the M6, when he veered onto the hard shoulder colliding with an unlit vehicle, killing the driver. Held: Falling asleep at the wheel usually … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference No 26 of 1999 Under Section 36 of Criminal Justice Act 1988; Regina v Gastinger: CACD 29 Jul 1999
The defendant appealed a refusal of a certificate of inadequacy to an amount due under a confiscation order, saying that the court had wrongly allowed for the value of a consultancy agreement under which he was entitled to receive an annual fee for his services. Held: The value of the contract was not realisable property … Continue reading In the Matter of Christopher Adams, In the Matter of the Criminal Justice Act 1988: Admn 26 Nov 2004
Judges: Pepperall J Citations: [2019] EWHC 2683 (Admin) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Practice Updated: 05 November 2022; Ref: scu.642707
A youth was charged with causing grievous bodily harm. His trial was fixed for 11 October 1988. On the date of trial, the prosecution applied for an adjournment on the grounds that, if the trial proceeded immediately and the magistrates decided that the victim did not have sufficient understanding to take the oath by reason … Continue reading Regina v Walsall Justices, ex parte W (a minor): QBD 1990
The court considered how to determine in the context of applications for confiscation orders, the value of the ‘benefit’ obtained by an offender who has been guilty of managing a company as a director in contravention of a director’s disqualification order or an undertaking not to act as a director. Held: The values were to … Continue reading Seager, Regina v; Regina v Blatch: CACD 26 Jun 2009
A High Court judge had given leave to prefer a voluntary bill against the appellant, who was arraigned on six counts in the voluntary bill. He pleaded not guilty, was convicted on four counts and was sentenced. Relying on section 2 of the 1933 Act, he appealed saying that the voluntary bill had never been … Continue reading Regina v Morais: CACD 1988
Judges: Lord Judge CJ, Royce, Globe JJ Citations: [2013] EWCA Civ 773, [2013] WLR(D) 187, [2014] Crim LR 375, [2013] 2 Cr App R 22, [2014] 1 WLR 199, [2013] EMLR 22 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Practice, Media Updated: 31 August 2022; Ref: scu.522302
The court was asked whether a grapefruit knife was a knife within section 141A. The magistrates were not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the article was a knife because it had a curved blade designed specifically for a single use and because it was distinct or different from a usual straight bladed instrument that in … Continue reading Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Regina (on The Application of) v The East Berkshire Justices: Admn 21 Oct 2010
The claimant journalist sought disclosure of papers acquired by the respondent in its conduct of enquiries into the charitable Mariam appeal. The Commission referred to an absolute exemption under section 32(2) of the 2000 Act, saying that the exemption continued until the papers were destroyed, or for 20 years under the 1958 Act. Held: The … Continue reading Kennedy v The Charity Commission: SC 26 Mar 2014
Loss of Confidentiality Protection – public domain A retired secret service employee sought to publish his memoirs from Australia. The British government sought to restrain publication there, and the defendants sought to report those proceedings, which would involve publication of the allegations made. The AG sought to restrain those publications. Held: A duty of confidence … Continue reading Attorney-General v Guardian Newspapers Ltd (No 2) (‘Spycatcher’): HL 13 Oct 1988
The Court considered the procedures when a prisoner is kept in solitary confinement, otherwise described as ‘segregation’ or ‘removal from association’, and principally whether decisions to keep the appellants in segregation for substantial periods were taken lawfully. Held: The segregation was not authorised by the applicable legislation: ‘rule 45 . . (1) enables the governor … Continue reading Bourgass and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 29 Jul 2015
Citations: [2004] EWHC 621 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Practice, Costs Updated: 28 July 2022; Ref: scu.195126
Representative claims were made against the respondents, hospitals, pathologists etc with regard to the removal of organs from deceased children without the informed consent of the parents. They claimed under the tort of wrongful interference. Held: Organ removal when a post mortem had been ordered by the coroner was not tortious. In English law there … Continue reading AB and others v Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust: QBD 26 Mar 2004
The Borough appealed against acquittal by the magistrates of the defendant parent accused of failure to ensure the regular attendance of their child at school. The child had attended only irregularly. The parents had contacted the school and authorities and sought help and co-opertaed with the Borough, but their daughter had been unco-operative and eventually … Continue reading London Borough of Sutton v S: Admn 26 Oct 2004
The defendant had been convicted of offences of possessing a large number of indecent images of children. Held: In such cases, the prosecution should frame the charges following the classification in R v Oliver, with a small number of representative charges out of each category with a comprehensive charge for the balance. The defence should … Continue reading Thompson v Regina: CACD 26 Mar 2004
The Magistrates committed the defendant to the Crown Court for sentence. In addition to other sentences the Crown Court imposed a confiscation order. The defendant succeeded in an appeal to the Court of Appeal, and the Crown now appealed. Held: The Crown Court had full power to make such an order. There had been no … Continue reading Regina v Pope (Criminal): HL 20 Jun 2002
A County Court may stay a right to buy application by the tenant, even though terms had been agreed, in order to await the result of court proceedings for possession against the secure misbehaving tenant. A court’s case management powers can be invoked to determine substantive rights. Judges: Lord Goff of Chieveley, Lord Lloyd of … Continue reading City Council of Bristol v Lovell: HL 26 Feb 1998
Once a person convicted of an offence on indictment appeals against that conviction and that appeal has been determined on its merits, the court has no jurisdiction to re-open it on fresh evidence coming to light. Lord Lane CJ considered the feasibility of re-opening an appeal: ‘So there is nothing there on the face of … Continue reading Regina v Pinfold: CACD 1988
Reference to Parliamentary Papers behind Statute The inspector sought to tax the benefits in kind received by teachers at a private school in having their children educated at the school for free. Having agreed this was a taxable emolument, it was argued as to whether the taxable benefit was the cost to the employer, or … Continue reading Pepper (Inspector of Taxes) v Hart: HL 26 Nov 1992
The receiver had been appointed under the 1968 Act, to manage the affairs of the defendant on his prosecution for tax fraud. She now sought a declaration as to her personal liability for tax which fell due. She had paid over some andpound;2 million to the court which she had realised. Held: A receiver was … Continue reading In re Inland Revenue Commissioners v Placentini (Defendant) Dayman (receiver), In re Criminal Justice Act 1988, and Taxes Management Act 1970: QBD 4 Feb 2003
In its definition of realisable property, section 74(1) does not confine it to property held when the confiscation order was made. [2004] EWHC 176 (Admin) Bailii Criminal Justice Act 1988 74(1) England and Wales Cited by: Cited – In the Matter of Christopher Adams, In the Matter of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 Admn 26-Nov-2004 … Continue reading O’Donoghue, Re Criminal Justice Act 1988: Admn 10 Feb 2004
Application for the review of the conviction of (the now deceased) Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, who was convicted on 31 January 2001 of the murder of 259 passengers and crew on board PanAm flight PA 103 from London to New York, and 11 residents of Lockerbie on 21 December 1988. Lord Justice Clerk, Lord … Continue reading The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission and Dr Jim Swire and Rev John F Mosey: HCJ 12 Aug 2015
These appeals concern the statutory provisions governing the eligibility for compensation of persons convicted of a criminal offence where their conviction is subsequently quashed (or they are pardoned) because of the impact of fresh evidence. It was argued that the failure to make payment amounted to a denial of the right to the presumption of … Continue reading Hallam, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 30 Jan 2019
The three claimants had each been convicted of murders and served time. Their convictions had been reversed eventually, and they now appealed against the refusal of compensation for imprisonment, saying that there had been a miscarriage of justice. Held: The appeal of Adams was denied, but those of MacDermott and McCartney allowed (by majority). The … Continue reading Adams, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 11 May 2011
The applicant sought a Certificate of Inadequacy as regards an unsatisfield confiscation order of andpound;750,000. Nicola Davies J [2014] EWHC 2639 (Admin) Bailii Criminal Justice Act 1988 83 Criminal Sentencing Updated: 20 December 2021; Ref: scu.535675
The defendant, a prominent TV journalist had been found guilty of a series of historical assaults against young girls he met during his work. The AG now appealed against the sentence it being, he said, unduly lenient. The defendant had persisted in his virulent denials through until conviction. Held: Public denunciations of allegations can amount … Continue reading Hall, Regina v (Arrorney General’s Reference No 38 of 2013): CACD 26 Jul 2013
Statement without lawyer access was inadmissible The accused complained that he had been convicted for assault and breach of the peace on the basis of a statement made by him during an interview with the police where, under the 1995 Act, he had been denied access to a lawyer. Held: The section must be read … Continue reading Cadder v Her Majesty’s Advocate: SC 26 Oct 2010
The applicants had each been given a life sentence, but having served the minimum term had been due to have the continued detention reviewed to establish whether or not continued detention was necessary for the protection of the pblic. It had not been, and each had claimed there was no basis for his continued detention, … Continue reading Faulkner, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice and Another: SC 1 May 2013
Limit to Declaratory Refilef as to Future Acts The applicant newspaper editor wanted to campaign for a republican government. Articles were published, and he sought confirmation that he would not be prosecuted under the Act, in the light of the 1998 Act. Held: Declaratory relief as to the criminality of future conduct is available but … Continue reading Regina v Her Majesty’s Attorney General ex parte Rusbridger and Another: HL 26 Jun 2003
Guidance for Wasted Costs Orders Guidance was given on the circumstances required for the making of wasted costs orders against legal advisers. A judge invited to make an order arising out of an advocate’s conduct of court proceedings must make full allowance for the fact that an advocate has to make decisions quickly and under … Continue reading Ridehalgh v Horsefield; Allen v Unigate Dairies Ltd: CA 26 Jan 1994
A defendant to a charge brought under a byelaw is entitled to raise the question of the validity of that byelaw in criminal proceedings before magistrates or the Crown Court, by way of defence. There was nothing in the statutory basis of the . .
The defendant was to be charged with offences associated with terrorism. He had sought stay of the trial as an abuse of process saying that he had been tortured by English US and Pakistani authorities. The judge made an order as to what parts of the . .
Solicitor General’s application for leave to refer the sentence in this case to the court pursuant to section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 on the grounds that it is unduly lenient. . .
References: [2004] EWCA Crim 669, Times 16-Apr-2004 Links: Bailii Coram: Lord Justice Thomas The defendant had been convicted of offences of possessing a large number of indecent images of children. Held: In such cases, the prosecution should frame the charges following the classification in R v Oliver, with a small number of representative charges out … Continue reading Richard Thompson v Regina: CACD 26 Mar 2004
1267 – 1278 – 1285 – 1297 – 1361 – 1449 – 1491 – 1533 – 1677 – 1688 – 1689 – 1700 – 1706 – 1710 – 1730 – 1737 – 1738 – 1751 – 1774 – 1792 – 1793 – 1804 – 1814 – 1819 – 1824 – 1828 – 1831 – 1832 … Continue reading Acts
In a trial for affray, two witnesses said they were reluctant to give evidence in person in fear for their own safety. Their evidence was admitted by the judge using his discretion under the Act for this purpose. He directed the jury as to the care they had to exercise, and there was other evidence. … Continue reading Regina v Denton: CACD 22 Nov 2000
The defendant was accused of murder. He had been identified by a witness who knew him, but the witness himself was murdered before the trial. The court allowed the prosecutor to read the deceased witness’ statement. Another witness for whom an ID parade had been held had only seen the defendant from the rear, but … Continue reading Regina v Nolan: CACD 15 Feb 2002
The court has a discretion to refuse to accept written evidence from a witness abroad who had refused to come here for fear of reprisals, and particularly so where the prosecution had failed to take advantage of procedures which would have allowed the defence to cross examine the witness. Citations: Times 07-Oct-1998 Statutes: European Convention … Continue reading Regina v Radak; Regina v Adjei; Regina v Butler-Rees; Regina v Meghjee: CACD 7 Oct 1998
Counsel appearing at the tribunal had previously sat as a judge with a tribunal member. The opposing party asserted bias in the tribunal. Held: The test in Gough should be restated in part so that the court must first ascertain all the circumstances which have a bearing on the suggestion that the judge was biased. … Continue reading Lawal v Northern Spirit Limited: HL 19 Jun 2003
The defence had requested and been give a ruling of no case to answer. The prosecutor now appealed saying that this had been before he had closed the prosecution case, and had been not with his consent. Held: The prosecutor’s appeal succeeded. The Galbraith case did not suggest that the judge had the power he … Continue reading N Ltd and Another, Regina v: CACD 10 Jun 2008
The court considered disclosure of a legally privileged note of an interview: ‘I believe that the principle underlying the rule of practice exemplified by Burnell v British Transport Commission is that, where a party is deploying in court material which would otherwise be privileged, the opposite party and the court must have an opportunity of … Continue reading Nea Karteria Maritime Co Ltd v Atlantic and Great Lakes Steamship Corporation (No 2): 11 Dec 1978
(Mauritius) The applicant appealed three counts of contempt of court, arising from speeches made by him in the political debate. He had been a minister, but was subject to investigation for fraud. To found a appeal he had to show some blatant or significant disregard or breach of legal process, or injustice. The board do … Continue reading Badry v The Director of Public Prosecutions: PC 15 Nov 1982
(Supreme Court of New South Wales) The NSW statute required that an indictment should be signed by any one of a number of persons specified in the section, including a person authorised by the Director of Public Prosecutions to sign indictments, and empowered the DPP by order in writing to authorise persons to sign indictments … Continue reading Regina v Janceski: 18 Aug 2005
Fair Coment on Political Activities The defendant newspaper had published articles wrongly accusing the claimant, the former Prime Minister of Ireland of duplicity. The paper now appealed, saying that it should have had available to it a defence of qualified privilege because of the claimant’s status as a politician. Held: The appeal failed (Lords Hope … Continue reading Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999
Citations: [2006] EWCA Crim 605 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 Part VI Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – In Re Glatt Admn 2002 If on an application made in respect of a confiscation order by the defendant the High Court is satisfied that the realisable property is inadequate for the payment … Continue reading Glatt, Regina v: CACD 17 Mar 2006
Appeals were brought complaining as to the apparent reversal of the burden of proof in road traffic cases and in cases under the Terrorism Acts. Was a legal or an evidential burden placed on a defendant? Held: Lord Bingham of Cornhill said: ‘The overriding concern is that a trial should be fair, and the presumption … Continue reading Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions; Attorney General’s Reference No 4 of 2002: HL 14 Oct 2004
The defendant appealed his conviction of possession of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. The images had been deleted, and were irrecoverable, but they had originally been viewed through a program which created a smaller additional image for each original. Though the thumbnail images were no longer accessible without the original, they remained on the … Continue reading Porter, Regina v: CACD 16 Mar 2006
The claimant sought to enforce an arbitration award made in 1983. Time might otherwise have expired, but the claimants relied on a fax which they said was an acknowledgement of the debt, and also upon a finding in a Romanian court which created an issue estoppel. Held: A typed signature on a fax was capable … Continue reading Good Challenger Navegante S A v Metalexportimport SA: CA 24 Nov 2003
Where communications had been intercepted in a foreign country, and the manner of such interceptions had been lawful in that country, the evidence produced was admissible in evidence in a trial in England. An admission of such evidence was not an infringement of the rights to a fair trial, nor of the right to respect … Continue reading Regina v P and others: HL 19 Dec 2000
Judges: Raffert LJ, Thirlwall, Gilbart JJ Citations: [2012] EWCA Crim 2356 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 36 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 06 November 2022; Ref: scu.465626
A Local Authority found guilty of a statutory nuisance is not thereby liable for a civil damages suit. Citations: Times 26-Nov-1996, [1996] EWCA Civ 998, [1997] 1 WLR 956, (1997) 29 HLR 640, [1997] Env LR 157 Links: Bailii Statutes: Public Health Act 1936 Part II (Nuisance etc) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – … Continue reading Issa (Suing By her Next Friend and Father Issa) and Issa (Suing By her Next Friend and Father Issa) v Mayor and Burgesses of London Borough of Hackney: CA 19 Nov 1996
Appeal from term of imprisonment of 7 years and 6 months for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving, contrary to section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The appellant was also disqualified from driving for a total period of 8 years and 9 months, comprising an extension period to reflect the time … Continue reading Vowles, Rex v: CACD 16 Sep 2022
The owner of a common appealed a finding that the neighbouring land owner had acquired by prescription a right of way across the common to use a track for commercial vehicles (buses) to get to the property (the bus depot). Held: An easement cannot become a right where the use of the route is illegal … Continue reading Hanning and Others v Top Deck Travel Group Ltd: CA 9 Jun 1993
Section allowing admission of documentary evidence was not a breach of requirements of European Convention on Human Rights. Reading of statements allowed where witness in fear. Judge given sufficient balancing discretion to follow convention Citations: Times 24-Jul-1998 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 23 24 825 26 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Human Rights Updated: 25 October … Continue reading Regina v Thomas, Regina v Flannagan: CACD 24 Jul 1998
Citations: [2006] EWCA Crim 3269 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 36 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 24 October 2022; Ref: scu.248240
In each case the appellant had been convicted of particularly serious murders and had been given whole life terms. They now appealed saying that such sentences were incompatible with their human rights after the ruling of the ECHR Grand Chamber in Vinter v UK. Held: The appeals failed. Judges: Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, LCJ; Sir … Continue reading Regina v McLoughlin; Regina v Newell: CACD 18 Feb 2014
The claimant advanced funds to the respondent for him to invest in a bank of which the claimant had insider knowledge. In fact the defendant did not invest the funds, the knowledge was incorrect. The defendant however did not return the sums advanced, saying he need not return it because the contract was for an … Continue reading Patel v Mirza: SC 20 Jul 2016
The AG sought leave to appeal against a sentence of two years imprisonment suspended after the defendant’s conviction for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Held: In considering the appropriate length of sentence was two and a half years or more, the notion of suspending the term should not have even been considered. Judges: Pitchford … Continue reading Regina v Williams; Attorney General’s Reference No 40 of 2011: CACD 2 Sep 2011
The court was asked as to the circumstances in which sentences passed on offenders who have given assistance to prosecuting authorities should be referred back to the sentencing court under section 74 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. Held: ‘The Divisional Court’s view that the predominant factor in deciding where the interests … Continue reading Loughlin, Re Application for Judicial Review: SC 18 Oct 2017
The defendant appealed her conviction for assisting another to retain the proceeds of crime. The court considered what was meant by ‘suspicion’. Held: For a defendant to be convicted of an offence under section 93A(1)(a) of the 1988 Act, he or she must think that there is a possibility, which is more than fanciful, that … Continue reading Da Silva, Regina v: CACD 11 Jul 2006
The court was asked how the judge should approach offences committed under the Sexual Offences Act 1956 in the context of the Definitive Guidelines under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It raises the important point as to how the judge should approach the totality where there has, over a considerable period, been a variety of … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference No 7 of 2011: CACD 7 Mar 2011
The government of Spain had issued an arrest warrant and application for extradition in respect of Pinochet Ugarte for his alleged crimes whilst president of Chile. He was arrested in England. He pleaded that he had immunity from prosecution. Held: A head of state’s immunity from prosecution extends only to official acts performed in exercise … Continue reading Regina v Bartle and The Commissioner Of Police For The Metropolis and Others Ex Parte Pinochet Ugarte, Regina v Evans and Another and The Commissioner of Police For The Metropolis and Others (No 1): HL 22 Nov 1998
The defendant appealed saying that after committal, the trial had proceeded on the basis of a voluntary bill of indictment, and he had been convicted on his own plea. He now appealed saying that the bill had not been signed as required. Held: The court ordered a venire de novo so that the case would … Continue reading Regina v Price: CACD 6 Nov 1985
The court granted to the prosecutor leave to appeal as unduly lenient against the sentence of three years imprisonment imposed on the defendant for misconduct in public office. As a police offiocer with access to police information systems he had supplied sensitive and confidential information to criminal associates in return for cocaine.. Judges: Leveson LJ, … Continue reading Bohannan, Regina v: CACD 21 Sep 2010
The AG referred two case of sentencing for possession of false identity documents. Citations: [2008] EWCA Crim 677 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 36 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – John, Regina v CACD 19-Aug-2008 The defendant was convicted of possession of false identity documents, and sentenced to fifteen months imprisonment. … Continue reading Attorney General Reference Nos 1 and 6 of 2008: CACD 4 Mar 2008
The court was asked: ‘Was it unlawful for the Secretary of State for Health, the respondent, who had power to make provisions for the functioning of the National Health Service in England, to have failed to make a provision which would have enabled women who were citizens of the UK, but who were usually resident … Continue reading A and B, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health: SC 14 Jun 2017
The court considered an application to appoint a receiver under the 1988 Act against background of ancillary relief proceedings. Judges: Munby J Citations: [2005] EWHC 2623 (Fam) Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 80 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Family, Criminal Practice Updated: 16 August 2022; Ref: scu.262188
(Scotland) The appellant had variously been convicted in reliance on evidence gathered at different stages before arrest, but in each case without being informed of any right to see a solicitor. The court was asked, as a devolution issue, at what point the duty to allow access to a solicitor arose, and what use might … Continue reading Ambrose v Harris, Procurator Fiscal, Oban, etc: SC 6 Oct 2011
Evidence from 3rd Party Torture Inadmissible The applicants had been detained following the issue of certificates issued by the respondent that they posed a terrorist threat. They challenged the decisions of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission saying that evidence underlying the decisions had probably been obtained by torture committed by foreign powers, and should not … Continue reading A and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department (No 2): HL 8 Dec 2005
Anonymised Party to Proceedings The BBC challenged an order made by the Court of Session in judicial review proceedings, permitting the applicant review to delete his name and address and substituting letters of the alphabet, in the exercise (or, as the BBC argues, purported exercise) of a common law power. The court also gave directions … Continue reading A v British Broadcasting Corporation (Scotland): SC 8 May 2014
The Bank had employed a doctor to provide medical assessments as necessary. The doctor had used the opportunities presented to assault sexually many patients. The court was now asked whether the Bank was vicariously liable for the acts of this independent contractor. Held: The appeal was allowed. The Doctor was not employed by the bank … Continue reading Barclays Bank Plc v Various Claimants: SC 1 Apr 2020
Prerogative act of prorogation was justiciable. The Prime Minister had prorogued Parliament for a period of five weeks, leaving only a short time for Parliament to debate and act the forthcoming termination of the membership by the UK of the EU. The Scottish Court had decided (Cherry) that the prorogation was void being for impermissible … Continue reading Miller, Regina (on the Application of) v The Prime Minister; Cherry QC v Lord Advocate: SC 24 Sep 2019
Twins were conjoined (Siamese). Medically, both could not survive, and one was dependent upon the vital organs of the other. Doctors applied for permission to separate the twins which would be followed by the inevitable death of one of them. The parents, devout Roman Catholics, resisted. Held: The parents’ views were subject to the overriding … Continue reading In Re A (Minors) (Conjoined Twins: Medical Treatment); aka In re A (Children) (Conjoined Twins: Surgical Separation): CA 22 Sep 2000
The witness had given three statements to police officers. Some time before the trial, the defendant was released, and the witness gave a further statement declining to give evidence on the basis that he was frightened for himself and his family of reprisals. By the time of the trial, it had been three months since … Continue reading Regina v H Regina v W Regina v M: CACD 6 Jul 2001
Adequacy of the judge’s directions as to images deleted from a computer disc. Judges: Lord Judge LCJ, Swift, Cranston JJ Citations: [2008] EWCA Crim 2712, (2008) 172 JP 585 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 160(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime Updated: 26 July 2022; Ref: scu.278291
The defendants faced charges under the two Acts. They raised as a preliminary issue whether it is necessary for the Crown to prove that the property being converted was in fact the proceeds, in the case of the 1994 Act, of drug trafficking and, in the case of the 1988 Act, of crime. The Crown … Continue reading Regina v Montila and Others: HL 25 Nov 2004
The defendant had been convicted of publishing obscene articles for gain under the Act. He lived in London, and published a web site which was stored or hosted abroad, containing pornographic items. The investigating officer had called up the web-site from within the UK. The defendant appealed saying that he had not acted within the … Continue reading Regina v Perrin: CACD 22 Mar 2002
The defendant appealed aganst his conviction for conspiracy to engage in moneylaundering. At trial he pleaded guilty subject to a qualification that he had not known that the money was the proceeds of crime, though he may have suspected that it would be. Held: (Baroness Hale of Richmond dissenting) The appeal succeeded: ‘the Crown’s principal … Continue reading Saik, Regina v: HL 3 May 2006
Application by the Crown Prosecution Service for the appointment of a receiver under section 80 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (CJA No 3 of 2000) and in the Family Division hearing ancillary relief proceedings. Judges: Munby J Citations: [2005] EWHC 2622 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime, … Continue reading Crown Prosecution Service v MN: Admn 21 Nov 2005
Judges: Cranston J Citations: [2008] EWHC 690 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988 Crime Updated: 14 July 2022; Ref: scu.267031
Appeal against terms of a confiscation order. Whether when making an order under section 83 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 for the reduction of the sum payable under a confiscation order, the Crown Court has no power to fix a time for payment. Citations: [2008] EWHC 422 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act … Continue reading Escobar v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 6 Mar 2008
The defendant appealed from a confiscation order. He was stopped attempting to import substantial quantities of tobacco. He said that since it had been taken at the port, he had not derived an benefit so as to allow an order. Held: The appeal failed. Once a person has evaded the payment of duty he has … Continue reading Edwards v Regina: CACD 30 Nov 2004
The claimants had been detained under the 1971 Act, after completing sentences of imprisonment pending their return to their home countries under deportations recommended by the judges at trial, or chosen by the respondent. They challenged as unlawful the respondent’s, at first unpublished, policy introduced in 2006, that by default, those awaiting deportation should be … Continue reading Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011
Before committing the defendant for sentence, the magistrates court had itself decided on disputed facts behind the plea. After being committed to the Crown Court, the defendant asked that court to conduct a further hearing to determine the facts. He now appealed a decision that that court did not have the jurisdiction to do so. … Continue reading Gillan v The Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 15 Feb 2007
Media bodies appealed against an order postponing publicity about the trial of the defendant until the conclusion of the trial of his co-defendants. He had asked to be sentenced on his plea rather than to have his sentence postponed. The judge was concerned at the possible effect of great publicity on the trial to follow. … Continue reading In re B: CACD 27 Oct 2006
The defendant faced an accusation of having slapped a child in the street. The child’s carer had called the police to say that she thought the complaint a practical joke. The defendant did not give evidence. The magistrates retired and came back to convict him, but saying that they had seen his antecedents, which had … Continue reading Murchison v Southend Magistrates’ Court: Admn 24 Jan 2006
The defendant had been convicted of offences in which he had operated to purchase companies and use false debentures to evade corporation tax. Compensation had been sought under the 1988 Act. It was argued that the confiscation order should be quashed because the defendant had not benefitted as alleged. Held: The appeals failed. The court … Continue reading Regina v Stannard: CACD 1 Nov 2005
Appeal against conviction for having bladed article, being a blunt butter knife without a point. Held: The appeal failed. The section made an unqualified reference to a ‘bladed article’. Davies did not establish that only sharp objects were caught. Judges: Laws LJ, Steel J Citations: [2005] EWHC 1132 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act … Continue reading Brooker v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 12 Apr 2005
An indictment had not been signed despite a clear statutory provision that it should be. The defects were claimed to have been cured by amendment before sentence. Held: The convictions failed. Sections 1(1) and 2(1) of the 1933 Act which provided for a bill of indictment (which had of itself no legal standing save as … Continue reading Clarke, Regina v; Regina v McDaid: HL 6 Feb 2008
The defendants appealed against confiscation orders on the basis that in various ways, the Crown had failed to comply with procedural requirements. Held: The courts must remember the importance of such procedures in the fight against crime, and must not allow procedural or technical failures to defeat that purpose. Courts should rather look to see … Continue reading Sekhon, etc v Regina: CACD 16 Dec 2002
The defendants appealed convictions for murder saying that the court had had read to it the statements of four witnesses who refused to attend for fear, having been intimidated. Other witnesses had been unco-operative and had been treated by the prosecution as hostile. Held: The appeal failed. The appellants’ rights under Article 6 were in … Continue reading Sellick and Sellick, Regina v: CACD 14 Mar 2005
The appellant was waiting for a train when his bag was stolen. After a search, the thief tried to deter the appellant from calling the police by suggesting that the bag contained items the appellant should not be carrying. From the bag the appellant produced a curved martial arts sword, in its sheath. He testified … Continue reading Wang, Regina v: HL 10 Feb 2005
The defendant appealed his conviction for murder, saying that the judge should have left to the jury the alternative conviction for manslaughter. The victim had died through strangulation during a sexual assault by the defendant. He said it had not been his intention to kill her. Held: The judge need not leave an alternative verdict … Continue reading Coutts, Regina v: CACD 21 Jan 2005
The claimant had obtained judgment against customers of the defendant, and then freezing orders for the accounts. The defendants inadvertently or negligently allowed sums to be transferred from the accounts. The claimants sought repayment by the bank. Held: The bank was liable. ‘a duty ought to be imposed on the Bank, towards claimants who have … Continue reading Customs and Excise v Barclays Bank Plc: CA 22 Nov 2004
The defendants appealed a conviction for conspiracy to assist another to retain the benefit of criminal conduct. One set of defendants illegally imported cigarettes, and S was accused of operating a bank account to assist in the moving of the proceeds. He said he was not aware of the criminal source of the funds. Held: … Continue reading Regina v Sakavickas and Another: CACD 3 Nov 2004
The defendant appealed saying that the court clerk had signed the indictment in the wrong place. Held: The signature had been intended to validate the indictment. The appeal failed. Citations: (1989) 90 Cr App R 450 Statutes: Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1933 1 2, Indictment (Rules) 1971 (1971 No 1253) 4(1) Jurisdiction: England … Continue reading Regina v Laming: CACD 1989
In a criminal investigation, the police came to suspect that a junior clerk in a barristers’ chambers was intending to give a false alibi. Though the solicitors were innocent of any wrongdoing, the police required their file. The solicitors claimed legal professional privilege. Held: Where there is evidence of specific agreement to pervert the course … Continue reading Hallinan, Blackburn-Gittings and Nott (A Firm), Regina (on the Application Of) v Crown Court at Middlesex Guildhall and Another: Admn 15 Nov 2004
The defendant had been convicted of a gruesome murder. He appealed against his minimum tarriff which had been set in accordance with the 1988 act with a starting point of 30 years. Held: The appeal succeeded. The evidence had not demonstrated the necessary condition of sexual intent. The fact that the victim was found named … Continue reading Davies (Gareth), Regina v: CACD 21 Apr 2008
The applicant sought to resist orders for the return to the US of what were alleged to be the proceeds (direct or indirect) of a fraud committed there. She had been in contempt of the court in the US and was a fugitive here. She complained that the US court had refused to allow her … Continue reading Government of the United States of America v Barnette and Montgomery (No 2): HL 22 Jul 2004
The defendant appealed his conviction. A witness statement had been read, but he had wanted to cross examine her. The court was satisfied that her refusal to give evidence in person was through fear. Held: In making the decision, the judge had incorrectly said that her evidence was uncontested. The errors began with discussions in … Continue reading Lobban, Regina v: CACD 7 May 2004
