The defendant had been convicted of rape and of burglary with intent to rape. The only evidence was his confession. After other appeals failed, and he had been released, psychiatric reports were obtained. Each has concluded that there are serious doubts as to the reliability of those confessions.
Held: The new evidence was credible and would have been admissible. The conviction was unsafe and was quashed.
Judges:
Lord Justice Mantell Mrs Justice Rafferty Mr Justice Grigson
Citations:
[2003] EWCA Crim 927
Links:
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Citing:
Cited – Regina v O’Brien; Regina v Hall; Regina v Sherwood CACD 16-Feb-2000
It is proper for the court to admit psychiatric evidence of a defendant’s particular readiness to make false confessions. Such evidence should however be closely circumscribed, and should include for example, that it makes the evidence gained . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Crime
Updated: 06 November 2022; Ref: scu.180457