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Highton, Regina (on the Application of) v Her Majesty’s Youth Offender Institute Lancaster Farms and Another: Admn 17 Apr 2007

Challenge to calculation of servable sentence term. Judges: Dobbs J Citations: [2007] EWHC 1085 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 2003 181 244, Criminal Justice Act 1991, Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No 8 and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Order 2005 14 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Noone, Regina (on the … Continue reading Highton, Regina (on the Application of) v Her Majesty’s Youth Offender Institute Lancaster Farms and Another: Admn 17 Apr 2007

Brooke and others v The Parole Board: Admn 7 Sep 2007

The applicants were prisoners who sought judicial review of the use made by the Parole Board of its powers to review their sentences, saying that the Parole Board was not sufficiently independent of the government to guarantee their human rights. Held: The applications succeeded, and the court gave a declaration that the applicants’ rights under … Continue reading Brooke and others v The Parole Board: Admn 7 Sep 2007

Regina v Horseferry Road Justices ex parte Hillier: Admn 9 Oct 1998

Challenge to conviction based upon evidence as to contents of evidence bags where there was a discontinuity in its custody. Counsel complained that he had been badgered by the stipendiary magistrate into revealing his defence in advance. Held: Though the evidence was conflicting, the court had to proceed on the assumed basis of counsel’s assertions. … Continue reading Regina v Horseferry Road Justices ex parte Hillier: Admn 9 Oct 1998

Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another, ex parte Singh (Prem): QBD 27 Apr 1993

A prisoner who was detained ‘during HM pleasure’ is to be allowed to see all reports before the Parole Board considering his release save those for which Public Interest Immunity Certificate has been given. Citations: Times 27-Apr-1993, Independent 11-Jun-1993 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1967 4, Criminal Justice Act 1991 34 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Prisons, … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another, ex parte Singh (Prem): QBD 27 Apr 1993

Spiller and Another v Joseph and Others: SC 1 Dec 2010

The defendants had published remarks on its website about the reliability of the claimant. When sued in defamation, they pleaded fair comment, but that was rejected by the Court of Appeal. Held: The defendants’ appeal succeeded, and the fair comment defence was re-instated. The phrase ‘honest comment’ should now be used to reflect the nature … Continue reading Spiller and Another v Joseph and Others: SC 1 Dec 2010

Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999

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

Delcourt v Belgium: ECHR 17 Jan 1970

The applicant had failed in appeals against conviction and sentence for offences of fraud and forgery before the Belgian Cour de Cassation. He complained that he had not enjoyed the right to a fair trial recognised by Article 6(1) of the Convention because a member of the Procureur general’s department, which was attached to the … Continue reading Delcourt v Belgium: ECHR 17 Jan 1970

Wills Trustees v Cairngorm Canoeing and Sailing School: HL 1976

The public right of navigation (PRN) is a right to public use of the river. The river may be used by the public for purposes of exercise and recreation as well as transport and commerce. At common law PRN cannot be lost by lack of use over time. ‘A public right of way on highways … Continue reading Wills Trustees v Cairngorm Canoeing and Sailing School: HL 1976

Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions; Attorney General’s Reference No 4 of 2002: HL 14 Oct 2004

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

Wrexham County Borough v The National Assembly of Wales, Michael Berry, Florence Berry: CA 19 Jun 2003

A traditional gypsy family had settled because of ill health, and sought to establish a caravan site. The authority claimed they were no longer to be treated as Gypsy and having the entitlement under the Act. Held: The Act defined ‘Gypsies’ as persons of nomadic habit. It was a question of fact for each planning … Continue reading Wrexham County Borough v The National Assembly of Wales, Michael Berry, Florence Berry: CA 19 Jun 2003

Regina v Luton Justices ex parte Abecasis: Admn 29 Jun 1999

Citations: [1999] EWHC Admin 613 Links: Bailii Statutes: Drug Trafficking Act 1994 42(1), Magistrates Courts (Detention and Forfeiture of Drug Trafficking Cash) Rules 1991 (1991 No 1923) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Appeal from – Regina v Luton Justices ex parte Abecasis CA 30-Mar-2000 Although the rules specified that a form should be used … Continue reading Regina v Luton Justices ex parte Abecasis: Admn 29 Jun 1999

Regina v Robinson: CACD 27 Nov 1992

The defendant appealed against sentence after conviction for attempted rape. He said that the offence, being charged under the 1981 Act was not a sexual offence, and neither was it a violent one within the 1991 Act. Held: The appeal failed. Attempted rape is a sexual offence under the 1956 Act. Attempted rape was to … Continue reading Regina v Robinson: CACD 27 Nov 1992

Regina v Luton Justices ex parte Abecasis: CA 30 Mar 2000

Although the rules specified that a form should be used when making application to extend the time for which money could be held pending an application under the Act for its forfeiture, there was no enforceable duty to prove that the form had been used, and its absence was not a fatal flaw in the … Continue reading Regina v Luton Justices ex parte Abecasis: CA 30 Mar 2000

Good Challenger Navegante S A v Metalexportimport SA: CA 24 Nov 2003

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

Biggs, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 20 May 2002

The applicant had been sentenced to 18 months. Having already spent 14 months on remand he was immediately freed under 33(1). Because of concern at his mental health, he was immediately recalled under 39(2). Some days later, it was realised that this arrest was unlawful, and he was therefore released again. The day after his … Continue reading Biggs, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 20 May 2002

Daniels v Griffiths: CA 27 Nov 1997

The claimant appealed against dismissal of his claim in defamation against the defendant. He was a prisoner convicted of rape and subject to life imprisonment. He sought parole, and said that the defendant had slandered him before the Parole Board. Held: Parole Board proceedings are not part of any proceedings of a court, and so … Continue reading Daniels v Griffiths: CA 27 Nov 1997

Regina v Stafford Justices ex parte Customs and Excise Commissioners: 1991

The court confirmed the continued right of private prosecution. Watkins LJ set out section 6 of the 1985 Act and observed: ‘These provisions clearly envisage that persons other than the Director may institute proceedings and prosecute. As Mr Lawson said, and I accept, it would indeed be surprising if that were not so. One has … Continue reading Regina v Stafford Justices ex parte Customs and Excise Commissioners: 1991

Wilkes, Regina v: CACD 7 Mar 2003

The defendant was convicted of burglary. He had a previous conviction, within the statutory assumption period of six years, for handling. Both the property stolen in the burglary and the property handled had been recovered intact and restored, undamaged, to the true owners. The defendant had obtained no other benefit from the offences. These two … Continue reading Wilkes, Regina v: CACD 7 Mar 2003

Thomas v Commissioner of Police for Metropolis: CA 28 Nov 1996

In an action for damages and false imprisonment, the defendant police officers sought to have introduced the claimant’s previous criminal record, which was expired under the 1974 Act. Held: The judge had been correct not to follow practice in criminal cases on such questions. The purpose of the Act in civil proceedings was to allow … Continue reading Thomas v Commissioner of Police for Metropolis: CA 28 Nov 1996

Bici and Bici v Ministry of Defence: QBD 7 Apr 2004

Claimants sought damages for personal injuries incurred when, in Pristina, Kosovo and during a riot, British soldiers on a UN peacekeeping expedition fired on a car. Held: The incidents occurred in the course of peace-keeping duties. It was not argued that they occurred in combat, and it was established that in cases of riot, soldiers … Continue reading Bici and Bici v Ministry of Defence: QBD 7 Apr 2004

Regina v Parole Board, ex Parte Watson: CA 11 Mar 1996

The test as to whether there was still a need to protect the public safety from the defendant was just as appropriate when considering the revocation of a licence, as it was when the need for continued detention was being reviewed before the grant of the licence: ‘In exercising its practical judgment the Board is … Continue reading Regina v Parole Board, ex Parte Watson: CA 11 Mar 1996

Regina v Warden: CACD 9 Feb 1996

Periods spent in custody awaiting trial can count toward fine not just against custody. Citations: Times 09-Feb-1996 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 18(3) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 27 October 2022; Ref: scu.88261

Regina v Secretary of State for Home Department ex parte H and Others, Regina v Same ex parte Hickey: CA 29 Jul 1994

A discretionary life prisoner who had been transferred to a mental hospital is not automatically eligible for a certificate under the section. The right conferred on a discretionary life prisoner by section 34 of the 1991 Act did not extend to those who were also detained under the MHA by reason of transfer and restriction … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Home Department ex parte H and Others, Regina v Same ex parte Hickey: CA 29 Jul 1994

Regina v Telford Justices, ex parte Badhan: CACD 1991

The defendant was accused of a sexual offence alleged to have been committed some 15 years earlier. He asked the magistrates to dismiss the charge as an abuse of process, and now appealed their refusal. Held: The onus was on the accused to show, to a civil standard that a fair trial could not now … Continue reading Regina v Telford Justices, ex parte Badhan: CACD 1991

Regina v Ward (Judith): CACD 15 Jul 1992

The defendant had been wrongly convicted of IRA bombings. She said that the prosecution had failed to disclose evidence. Held: The prosecution’s forensic scientists are under a common law duty to disclose to the defence anything they may discover which may assist the defendant. ‘Non-disclosure is a potent source of injustice and even with the … Continue reading Regina v Ward (Judith): CACD 15 Jul 1992

Regina v T; Regina v K: CACD 22 Mar 2001

All cases against children should be tried in the Youth Court, and not transferred to the Crown Court save for the most grave offences. In this case, the allegations included one of common assault. The appeal court had no power on this occasion to set aside the transfer, but since the accusation of common assault … Continue reading Regina v T; Regina v K: CACD 22 Mar 2001

Regina v Secretary of State Home Department, ex parte McCartney: CACD 25 May 1994

Under the applicable legislation the trial judge fixed the tariff for discretionary life sentence prisoners, but there were transitional provisions which required the Secretary of State to fix the tariff for discretionary lifers who had been sentenced before the new judicialised regime came into force. Held: The Home Secretary is not free to take his … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State Home Department, ex parte McCartney: CACD 25 May 1994

Regina v Harper; Regina v Sabin: CACD 12 Oct 1998

The court was right to look beyond the facts of the instant case, and at the defendant’s background history, when assessing whether it was necessary to impose an additional sentence for the protection of the public from a violent offender. Citations: Times 12-Oct-1998 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 2(2)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing … Continue reading Regina v Harper; Regina v Sabin: CACD 12 Oct 1998

Regina v Fox (Michael): CACD 24 Nov 1994

Reduction in relevant part of life sentence for consideration on parole. The ‘relevant part’ not end of entire sentence but when parole considered. Citations: Ind Summary 09-Jan-1995, Times 24-Nov-1994 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 34(3) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 25 October 2022; Ref: scu.86676

Regina v Crawford: CACD 26 Apr 1993

The activating of a suspended sentence was not itself a passing of a sentence, and the other offence was not made more serious by the activation.An activation of a suspended sentence is not itself the act of passing a sentence. Citations: Gazette 02-Jun-1993, Ind Summary 26-Apr-1993 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 1(2), Powers of Criminal … Continue reading Regina v Crawford: CACD 26 Apr 1993

Regina v F, R v S: CACD 29 Oct 1999

When a young offender is ordered to return to prison to serve the remainder of a sentence after offending whilst on release on licence, the order is a new sentence, and when combined with the order for the offence giving rise to that order, cannot exceed the two year maximum total. Citations: Times 29-Oct-1999 Statutes: … Continue reading Regina v F, R v S: CACD 29 Oct 1999

Regina v B (Longer Term Sentences): CACD 31 Dec 1998

A court could not, under its powers to extend a sentence, impose a sentence beyond the normal maximum, but where appropriate it could add extensions to individual sentences and if appropriate make them consecutive to achieve the same result. Citations: Times 31-Dec-1998, Gazette 03-Feb-1999 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 2(2)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal … Continue reading Regina v B (Longer Term Sentences): CACD 31 Dec 1998

A Local Authority v W L W T and R; In re W (Children) (Identification: Restrictions on Publication): FD 14 Jul 2005

An application was made by a local authority to restrict publication of the name of a defendant in criminal proceedings in order to protect children in their care. The mother was accused of having assaulted the second respondent by knowingly transmitted HIV/Aids to him by having unprotected sex but hiding her HIV status. Held: The … Continue reading A Local Authority v W L W T and R; In re W (Children) (Identification: Restrictions on Publication): FD 14 Jul 2005

Director of Public Prosecutions v Denning and Another: QBD 7 Mar 1991

Judges: Lord Justice Nolan And Justice Roch Citations: [1991] EWHC 1 (QB), [1991] Crim LR 699, [1991] 3 All ER 439, (1992) 94 Cr App R 272, (1991) 155 JP 1003, [1991] 3 WLR 235, [1991] RTR 271, [1991] 2 QB 532 Links: Bailii Statutes: Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 23(3), Costs in Criminal Cases … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Denning and Another: QBD 7 Mar 1991

Regina v Marklew, Lambert: CACD 6 Apr 1998

Appeals from life sentences imposed on youths for offences of arson. Judges: Lord Bingham of Cornhill LCJ Citations: [1999] 1 WLR 486, [1998] EWCA Crim 1188, [1999] 1 Cr App R (S) 6 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 34(2)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – O’Neill v Her Majesty’s Advocate HCJ … Continue reading Regina v Marklew, Lambert: CACD 6 Apr 1998

Regina v Gabbidon, Bramble: CACD 7 Nov 1996

The defendants appealed sentences for serious, violent robberies taking place in burglaries of domestic properties, with long lasting effects on the victims. Held: The section had been correctly applied. The court reviewed authorities on sentencing for such matters. 12 years was appropriate for the robberies, with 5 years added to protect the public. Judges: Lord … Continue reading Regina v Gabbidon, Bramble: CACD 7 Nov 1996

Regina v Coughlan: CACD 2 Dec 1996

The appellant appealed sentences for burglary. He had 17 previous convictions, and, on one occasion, 91 offences taken into consideration. The offences were convicted whilst released on licence. He had been sentenced to five years plus some consecutive elements. The sentence was proper, and the appeal refused. Citations: [1996] EWCA Crim 1597 Statutes: Criminal Justice … Continue reading Regina v Coughlan: CACD 2 Dec 1996

Regina v Shaw: CACD 5 Mar 1996

Maximum penalty reduction applies at date of conviction though committed before. Citations: Times 05-Mar-1996 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 26(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 08 October 2022; Ref: scu.88006

Regina v Powell: CACD 9 Aug 1996

A Judge need not say what sentence would have been passed but for extended sentence. Citations: Times 09-Aug-1996 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 2(2)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 08 October 2022; Ref: scu.87559

Regina v Foran: CACD 1 Jun 1995

Maximum 12 month applied to include consequence of revocation of licence.Sentence maxima cannot be exceeded even on a re-sentence after a licence breach. Citations: Gazette 13-Jul-1995, Times 01-Jun-1995 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 40(4)(c) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 08 October 2022; Ref: scu.86671

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Swan and Othes: ChD 22 Jul 2003

When commencing proceedings under the Act, the papers were defective. The secretary of state had failed to give appropriate notice, and thus prevented him from making representations as to the allegations. The allegations involved the manipulation of cheques to create artificial balances. Held: In this case the Secretary of State’s papers contained irrelevant matters and … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Swan and Othes: ChD 22 Jul 2003

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd v Customs and Excise: ChD 27 Jul 2005

The appellants had imported Playstation computer games. They appealed refusal of a rebate of 50 million euros paid in VAT before a reclassification of the equipment so as to make it exempt from VAT. Held: ‘The effect of the annulment of a Community act under Articles 230 and 231 EC Treaty is to render that … Continue reading Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd v Customs and Excise: ChD 27 Jul 2005

Raja v Van Hoogstraten: ChD 19 Dec 2005

Damages were claimed after claimant alleged involvement by the defendant in the murder of the deceased. The defendant had been tried and acquitted of murder and manslaughter, but the allegation was now pursued. The defendant had since failed to co-operate with the court. Held: The defendant’s acquittal was not conclusive. The standard in a civil … Continue reading Raja v Van Hoogstraten: ChD 19 Dec 2005

Regina v Willoughby: CACD 5 Nov 1998

Appeal against conviction dismissed. Appeal against sentence for offences of false imprisonment, indecent assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The sentences were life imprisonment for the offence of false imprisonment, with six-and-a-half years’s being specified as the period to be served under section 34 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, 10 years concurrently for … Continue reading Regina v Willoughby: CACD 5 Nov 1998

Greenfield, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Feb 2005

The appellant had been charged with and disciplined for a prison offence. He was refused legal assistance at his hearing, and it was accepted that the proceedings involved the determination of a criminal charge within the meaning of article 6 of the Convention, that the deputy controller was not an independent tribunal and that the … Continue reading Greenfield, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Feb 2005

Regina on the Application of South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust v Crown Court at Bradford: CA 19 Dec 2003

A appealed an order made by the Crown Court under the 1964 Act for his detention in a mental hospital on the grounds that he was unfit to enter a plea to the charge of murder. Held: The Court of Appal had no jurisdiction to hear the appeal. All appeals from orders of the Crown … Continue reading Regina on the Application of South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust v Crown Court at Bradford: CA 19 Dec 2003

Regina (Carroll and Another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department; Regina (Greenfield) v Same: CA 19 Jul 2001

The applicants had been disciplined whilst in prison, and suffered various penalties including the loss of remission. They argued that the penalties had been imposed in breach of their human rights and that the protection given for intimate searches was inadequate. Held: Although the proceedings may have the effect of postponing the prisoners release, in … Continue reading Regina (Carroll and Another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department; Regina (Greenfield) v Same: CA 19 Jul 2001

Mohamed, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (No 1): Admn 21 Aug 2008

The claimant had been detained by the US in Guantanamo Bay suspected of terrorist involvement. He sought to support his defence documents from the respondent which showed that the evidence to be relied on in the US courts had been obtained by torture, and in particular by the hiding of his detention for many months … Continue reading Mohamed, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (No 1): Admn 21 Aug 2008

Mahonia Limited v JP Morgan Chase Bankwest Lb Ag: QBD 3 Aug 2004

The Claimant claimed on a letter of credit issued by the Defendant on behalf of Enron Ltd, who asserted it was not liable to pay there having been unlawful behaviour by Enron Ltd. Swap agreements had been entered into, and the defendant said the claimant was in effect a shell company. The bank would not … Continue reading Mahonia Limited v JP Morgan Chase Bankwest Lb Ag: QBD 3 Aug 2004

Regina on the Application of Uttley v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 30 Jul 2003

Licence conditions imposed at the time of sentence would restrict the defendant after he had served his sentence and been released, and so operated as a heavier penalty, and section 33(1) was incompatible with the defendant’s Art 7.1 rights. Held: Before the 1991 Act, a prisoner was entitled to release after serving the necessary part … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Uttley v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 30 Jul 2003

Robinson, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: CA 19 May 2010

The appellant had been released on licence during his sentence but then recalled. He contended that the effect of the newly introduced section 50A was a retrospective increase in his sentencce. Judges: Lord Nueberger MR, Moses, Munby LJJ Citations: [2010] EWCA Civ 848, [2010] 1 WLR 2380 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 50A, … Continue reading Robinson, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: CA 19 May 2010

Regina v Van Hoogstraten: CACD 12 Dec 2003

The prosecution appealed against the refusal of the crown court to remit the case for retrial. Held: The court had no jurisdiction to entertain an appeal against this ruling because it was not within the ambit of section 29(2) of the 1996 Act. That may be satisfactory because it seemed to be common ground that … Continue reading Regina v Van Hoogstraten: CACD 12 Dec 2003

Regina v Field (Brian John); Regina v Young (Alfred): CACD 12 Dec 2002

Each applicant having been convicted of indecent assaults involving children, now appealed an order banning them from working with children. Held: The orders were not penalties within article 7. The order was available in the absence of a conviction, and it was intended as a preventive measure rather than a punitive one. The section could … Continue reading Regina v Field (Brian John); Regina v Young (Alfred): CACD 12 Dec 2002

Cutler v Wandsworth Stadium Ltd: HL 1949

The Act required the occupier of a licensed racetrack to take all steps necessary to secure that, so long as a totalisator was being lawfully operated on the track, there was available for bookmakers space on the track where they could conveniently carry on bookmaking in connection with dog races run on the track on … Continue reading Cutler v Wandsworth Stadium Ltd: HL 1949

Dr A Lambiris v The Specialist Training Authority of the Medical Royal Colleges and the General Medical Council, the Secretary of State for Health – Interested Parties: CA 8 May 2003

The applicant challenged the failure to register him properly to reflect his specialism for which he had been qualified in Greece. Held: The Directive set out principles for the recognition of medical qualifications within the Union. The Order applied the Directive. The article 43 right of establishment is mediated through a combination of the very … Continue reading Dr A Lambiris v The Specialist Training Authority of the Medical Royal Colleges and the General Medical Council, the Secretary of State for Health – Interested Parties: CA 8 May 2003

Regina on the Application of Giles v Parole Board and Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 4 Jul 2002

The prisoner had been sentenced to a punitive term, and an additional protective term under the Act. After the parole board had decided that he could be released from the punitive part of the sentence, he obtained declaration that the board should also periodically review the protective part of the sentence. Held: The protective part … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Giles v Parole Board and Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 4 Jul 2002

Pilgrim, Regina (on the Application of) v Parole Board and Another: Admn 9 May 2008

The prisoner appealed refusal of his release under licence. Being a long term prisoner he was to be considered for release after half his sentence was complete under the 1991 Act. Judges: Saunders J Citations: [2008] EWHC 1019 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 35(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Prisons Updated: 22 August … Continue reading Pilgrim, Regina (on the Application of) v Parole Board and Another: Admn 9 May 2008

Regina v Stocker: CACD 20 Jan 2003

Whilst released on licence from prison, the defendant committed further related offences. On sentencing the judge erred in calculating the amount of time to be served for the breach of the licence. Having been recalled, the time served between recall and sentence did not count against the total sentence. Section 39 and section 116 were … Continue reading Regina v Stocker: CACD 20 Jan 2003

West Midlands Probation Board v French: Admn 31 Oct 2008

The respondent had been released on licence from prison. On being brought back to court on other allegations, he challenged the validity of the notice of the terms of his licence, and required evidence of those terms. Citations: [2008] EWHC 2631 (Admin), (2008) 172 JP 617, [2009] Crim LR 283, [2009] 1 WLR 1715, [2009] … Continue reading West Midlands Probation Board v French: Admn 31 Oct 2008

Guardian News and Media Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: CA 3 Apr 2012

The newspaper applied for leave to access documents referred to but not released during the course of extradition proceedings in open court. Held: The application was to be allowed. Though extradition proceedings were not governed by the Civil Procedure Rules, wider principles still applied. The open justice principle is a constitutional principle to be found … Continue reading Guardian News and Media Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: CA 3 Apr 2012

A and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department (No 2): HL 8 Dec 2005

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

A v British Broadcasting Corporation (Scotland): SC 8 May 2014

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

In Re A (Minors) (Conjoined Twins: Medical Treatment); aka In re A (Children) (Conjoined Twins: Surgical Separation): CA 22 Sep 2000

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

Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Probyn: QBD 30 Oct 1997

The question of whether a prisoner is serving a long or short term prison sentence is to be determined by the sentence imposed by the court, and not by not the time expected actually to be served. Citations: Times 30-Oct-1997 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1991 67(4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 06 August … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Probyn: QBD 30 Oct 1997

Bourgass and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 29 Jul 2015

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

AB and others v Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust: QBD 26 Mar 2004

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

Noone, Regina (on the Application of) v HMP Drake Hall and Another: CA 17 Oct 2008

The prisoner disputed the calculation of the date when she would become entitled to consideration for early release under a Home Detention Curfew. The Secretary of State appealed against a decision that his policy guidance was unlawful. Held: The appeal succeeded. Where several offences were imposed at the same time, those sentences under one year … Continue reading Noone, Regina (on the Application of) v HMP Drake Hall and Another: CA 17 Oct 2008

Black, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: CA 15 Apr 2008

The prisoner complained of the power given to the defendant to block the early release of prisoners sentenced between certain dates for serious offences, saying that such a decision was for the courts only. Held: The provision was incompatible with the claimant’s human rights. Judges: Lord Justice May, Lord Justice Latham and Lord Justice Moore-Bick … Continue reading Black, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: CA 15 Apr 2008

Regina (Smith) v Parole Board (No 2): CA 31 Jul 2003

The applicant having been released on licence had his licence revoked. The decision had been made at a hearing which considered evidence on paper only, which he said was unfair. Held: The case law had maintained a proper distinction between the determination of a criminal charge and otherwise. The first required an oral hearing for … Continue reading Regina (Smith) v Parole Board (No 2): CA 31 Jul 2003

In re S (a Child) (Identification: Restrictions on Publication): HL 28 Oct 2004

Inherent High Court power may restrain Publicity The claimant child’s mother was to be tried for the murder of his brother by poisoning with salt. It was feared that the publicity which would normally attend a trial, would be damaging to S, and an application was made for reporting restrictions to be applied to avoid … Continue reading In re S (a Child) (Identification: Restrictions on Publication): HL 28 Oct 2004

Attorney-General v Leveller Magazine Ltd: HL 1 Feb 1979

The appellants were magazines and journalists who published, after committal proceedings, the name of a witness, a member of the security services, who had been referred to as Colonel B during the hearing. An order had been made for his name not to be disclosed during the hearing, but the court had had no power … Continue reading Attorney-General v Leveller Magazine Ltd: HL 1 Feb 1979

Green, Regina (on the Application of) v The City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Thoday, Thompson: Admn 5 Dec 2007

The claimant appealed from the refusal by the magistrate to issue summonses for the prosecution for blashemous libel of the Director General of the BBC and the producers of a show entitled ‘Jerry Springer – The Opera.’ Held: The gist of the crime of blasphemous libel is material relating to the Christian religion, or its … Continue reading Green, Regina (on the Application of) v The City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Thoday, Thompson: Admn 5 Dec 2007