FS v Wakefield Magistrates Court: Admn 1 Nov 2010
Judges: Langstaff J Citations: [2010] EWHC 3412 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes:
Judges: Langstaff J Citations: [2010] EWHC 3412 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes:
The defendant appealed against an order for costs made against her after service and enforcement of an abatement notice with respect to an audible intruder alarm at her premises. She had first lodged an appeal to the Crown Court, but argued that having abandoned it more than three days before the hearing it had been … Continue reading Wilson v Ashford Borough Council: Admn 9 Mar 2010
Judges: Langstaff J Citations: [2010] EWHC 661 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes:
The defendant had been convicted of an offence in Portugal and sentenced to imprisonment. He was given an order for voluntary departure, but his lawyers did not file an appeal. When a European Arrest Warrant was issued, he now sought an order for judicial review of SOCA’s decision not to resist the warrant, citing problems … Continue reading Mann, Regina (on The Application of) v The City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court and Others: Admn 19 Jan 2010
The claimant had successfully defended a forfeiture case, but had been refused an order for her costs by the magistrates. The magistrates had found that the case had been properly brought under the 2002 Act, even though it had failed. Held: The request for judicial review failed. Citations: [2009] EWHC 762 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: … Continue reading Perinpanathan v City of Westminster Magistrates Court: Admn 10 Mar 2009
The defendant had written to the court to request an adjournment. The case proceeded in his absence. Held: Justices have a broad discretion on the re-opening case after a conviction had been entered in the Defendant’s absence. The defendant retained a right of appeal under s108. The absence was the defendant’s entire responsibility. The court … Continue reading Regina v Newport Justices Ex Parte Carey; Regina v Gwent Magistrates Court, ex parte Carey: QBD 16 Jul 1996
The appellants appealed a bind-over for a finding that each appellant had been guilty of conduct whereby a breach of the peace was likely to be occasioned. The appellants, concerned about cruelty to animals, had obstructed an angling competition by seeking to distract the fish and to dissuade the anglers from catching them. No violence … Continue reading Regina v Nicol and Selvanayagam: QBD 10 Nov 1995
The defendants appealed convictions for contempt of court, on the basis of having wilfully interrupted the court. The respondent said that no appeal lay. Held: The statute was ambiguous, and ‘there can be no good reason why a person convicted under s.12 should not have a right of appeal against conviction as well as against … Continue reading Haw and Another v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: Admn 12 Dec 2007
A man was accused of a series of mortgage frauds. The defendants each gave evidence to the court. He made a complaint of perjury against each of them. The current defendants sought judicial review of a refusal to discharge the summonses. Held: ‘there is no authority directly upon the question whether the issue and maintenance … Continue reading Regina v Newcastle Upon Tyne Magistrates’ Court ex parte Still, Lawlan, Davidson, Pryor, and Forrest: Admn 18 Sep 1996
The claimant sought judicial review of the magistrates refusal to set aside a conviction entered in his absence. He had been in custody and not produced for the hearing. Held: The review was granted. The judge had not established that the defendant was at fault in not attending. Citations: [2007] EWHC 2766 (Admin) Links: Bailii … Continue reading Morsby v Tower Bridge Magistrates’ Court: Admn 31 Oct 2007
The claimant sought judicial review of his conviction by the magistrates for contempt of court: ‘The Administrative Court office wrote to Mr Lane on 22nd November, almost a week ago, pointing out that the right of appeal against orders made under section 12 of the 1981 Act consists of a right of appeal to the … Continue reading Lane v Gloucester Magistrates Court: Admn 28 Nov 2006
The defendants were said to have been found in possession of false passports. They successfully argued that the offence charged under the 1981 Act had been repealed by the 2006 Act. The prosecutor argued that a Schedule only came into effect when explicitly made to come into effect. Held: The prosecutor’s appeal succeeded. The 2006 … Continue reading Crown Prosecution Service, Regina (on the Application of) v Bow Street Magistrates Court and others: Admn 18 Jul 2006
A reverse legal burden applied to defendants accused of an offence under section 17 of the Forestry Act 1967 which, in specified circumstances, created an absolute offence of felling a tree without a felling licence. Clarke LJ said: ‘It is thus clear that, while the general principles are those set out in Edwards, each case … Continue reading Grundy and Co Excavations Ltd and Another, Regina (on the Application of) v Halton Division Magistrates Court: Admn 24 Feb 2003
The local authority had refused to renew a private hire vehicle licence. That refusal was successfully challenged, and the magistrates had awarded costs on the basis that they should follow the event. The authority appealed. Held: The discretion given to magistrates to award such costs as it feels are just and reasonable does not mean … Continue reading Bradford City Metropolitan District Council v Booth: QBD 10 May 2000
Lord Bingham set out guidance in respect of costs awarded by magistrates pursuant to section 64(1) of the 1980 Act, saying: ‘I would accordingly hold that the proper approach to questions of this kind can for convenience be summarised in three propositions: 1. Section 64(1) confers a discretion upon a magistrates’ court to make such … Continue reading City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council v Booth: Admn 10 May 2000
The defendant had been in custody for a different offence on the day when the magistrates were due to try him, and he was not produced. The prosecutor only learned of the other conviction on that day, and sought an adjournment. Instead the magistrates dismissed the charge. The prosecutor appealed. Held: The magistrates’ power to … Continue reading Regina v Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court and Day ex parte Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 1989
On receiving a complaint about the respondent’s dogs attacking sheep, a complaint was laid before the magistrates. The respondents filed evidence, and a notice of discontinuance was issued. The respondents obtained an order for their costs and the appellant now challenged that order. Held: Judges: Hickinbottom J Citations: [2014] EWHC 4213 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: … Continue reading Warwickshire Police v Young: Admn 10 Dec 2014
The defendant company did not accept that it had accepted special waste at its disposal plant. Instead they claimed to have the appropriate licence or exemption. Held: The burden of establishing acceptance of special waste was not on the defendant ,on a balance of probabilities, but lay on the prosecution. In effect he was claiming … Continue reading Environment Agency v M E Foley Contractors ltd and Another: QBD 18 Jan 2002
Statements in support of a committal under 6(1) or 6(2) are to be admissible also under section 102. Citations: Times 22-Mar-1996 Statutes: Magistrates Courts Act 1980 Criminal Evidence, Magistrates Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.86888
Magistrates have full and sufficient power to deal with large costs awards, and may not send them on for taxation by other authorities. Citations: Times 10-May-1994 Statutes: Magistrates Courts Act 1980 64 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Magistrates, Costs Updated: 07 April 2022; Ref: scu.88090
The court was asked whether magistrates’ courts have a discretion to extend the time to state a case after the expiration of the 21 days specified in section 111(2) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (the 1980 Act) as the time within which an application for a case to be stated for the opinion of … Continue reading Mishra v Colchester Magistrates’ Court: Admn 14 Nov 2017
The defendant had pleaded guilty by post, but on being called to court to face a possible disqualification from driving he was refused the chance to re-open his plea. The action had been begun under the written charge procedure introduced by the 2003 Act. The notification he had been given said that the conviction dated … Continue reading Rymer v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 21 Jul 2010
An award of costs is inevitable after a finding of statutory nuisance and such costs include cost of establishing the nuisance. ‘The wide discretion as to whether to grant an adjournment conferred by section 10 and section 54 of the Magistrates’ Court Act 1980 cannot, usually, be impugned. But it is a power which must … Continue reading Regina v Dudley Magistrates Court ex parte Hollis; Robert v Same: Admn 25 Nov 1997
That the same rules apply to time limits for prosecution of a company as for others, for summary offences, did not apply to either way offences tried summarily. Times 09-Dec-1997, Gazette 17-Dec-1997, [1997] EWHC Admin 1045 Magistrates Courts Act 1980 127, Companies Act 1986 731(2) England and Wales Criminal Practice, Company Updated: 03 January 2022; … Continue reading Regina v Thames Magistrates’ Court ex parte Horgan: Admn 25 Nov 1997
The Commissioner had been wrong to conclude that he could not bring prosecutions in respect of driving on a certain road because it was not a ‘road’ within the definition of the Road Traffic Act 1972. Having observed that ‘[c]ounsel and solicitors in magistrates’ courts, in the Divisional Court and in the Crown Courts can … Continue reading Adams v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: QBD 1980
The defendant effectively sought to appeal against his conviction on his own guilty plea to possession of wild bird eggs. They had been collected before possession itself was made an offence, and he had received them before the 2004 Act, after which only the person originally collecting an egg could lawfully possess it. He said … Continue reading Dodsworth v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 8 Nov 2010
Court of Appeal’s powers limited to those Given The jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal is wholly statutory; it is appellate only. The court has no original jurisdiction. It has no jurisdiction itself to entertain any original application for judicial review; it has appellate jurisdiction over judgments and orders of the High Court made by … Continue reading In re Racal Communications Ltd; In Re a Company: HL 3 Jul 1980
The appellant’s daughter had been stopped entering the country with andpound;150,000 in cash. The police sought an order for its forfeiture, suspecting a link with terrorism. The magistrates found no evidence of such, and declined to make the order, but equally refused to award the defendant her costs. She now appealed against the refusal to … Continue reading Perinpanathan, Regina (on The Application of) v City of Westminster Magistrates Court and Another: CA 4 Feb 2010
No Breach of Solicitor Client Confidence Allowed B was charged with the murder of a young girl. He made a confession to the police, but later changed his story, saying his stepfather had killed the girl. He was acquitted. The stepfather was then charged with the murder. At his committal for trial, B was called … Continue reading Regina v Derby Magistrates Court Ex Parte B: HL 19 Oct 1995
Application by prosecutor to amend name of defendant company but after time limit for issue. . .
The defendant was given bail supported by sureties for his attendance. The appellant signed for andpound;1m for his attendance. There was a preparatory hearing at a new court building without cells or a dock. The defendant was present. The surety . .
The claimant having been released on licence from a prison sentence refused to comply with the conditions of his licence on the ground that he was entitled to be released unconditionally. He was returned to prison. The Divisional Court dismissed his . .
Renewed application for permission to challenge the decision of a District Judge who refused an application to issue a summons pursuant to s.1(1)(a) of the Magistrates Courts Act 1980 against the former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, for an offence of . .
The court heard appeals from rulings under the 2004 Act.
Held: In section 1, the hunting of a wild mammal did not include the search for an animal with a view to flushing it from cover. As to the exemptions, the operation of the 1980 Act and . .
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
Evidence of deceased complainants statement was admissible – still a person. Citations: Ind Summary 08-May-1995 Statutes: Magistrates Courts Act 1980 106-1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Evidence Updated: 27 October 2022; Ref: scu.88028
Statement by victim was admissible after death – ‘person’ not ‘living person’. Citations: Times 07-Apr-1995 Statutes: Magistrates Courts Act 1980 106-1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Evidence Updated: 08 October 2022; Ref: scu.88029
The court objected to the insistence on leaving the burden throughout a prosecution on the defendant on the ground that ‘the discharge of an evidential burden proves nothing – it merely raises an issue’. The House emphasised the special nature of the provisions, saying there was little doubt that the occasions upon which a statute … Continue reading Regina v Hunt (Richard): HL 1987
An adjournment for sentence is to decide what sentence not whether to sentence. Citations: Ind Summary 24-Apr-1995 Statutes: Magistrates Courts Act 1980 10-3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.87454
Nature of films in written evidence and Court had no power to order copies. Citations: Times 17-May-1993 Statutes: Magistrates Courts Act 1980 10-1 Magistrates Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.86591
A defendant is deemed to have surrendered to court custody when attending as directed; a surety was not estreated when he failed to attend at a later hearing after an adjournment.Sir Thomas Bingham MR (dissenting) said that there is nothing in the process of arraignment which in law requires, or in fact amounts to, a … Continue reading Regina v Central Criminal Court Ex Parte Guney: CA 2 Feb 1995
Judges: Gosnell HHJ Citations: [2013] WLR(D) 344, [2014] 1 WLR 2658, [2013] EWHC 2481 (Admin) Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes:
(Jamaica) Customs investigating officers on attended the appellant’s premises in the course of an investigation of fraudulent importation. The officers were met by a hostile crowd, and the claimant did not attend for interview as invited. A search warrant was obtained and executed. The claimants said the warrant was unconstitutional and unlawful and sought return … Continue reading Attorney General v Danhai Williams and others: PC 12 May 1997
A defendant seeking to avoid answering questions so as not to incriminate himself is to be given some understanding and latitude in respecting his own interpretation. The beneficiary of a pardon could be called upon to incriminate himself because he merited no protection: ‘the effect of which [the pardon] was to make him a new … Continue reading Regina v Boyes: 27 May 1861
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
Magistrates who had dismissed a prosecution for the failure of the prosecutor to attend court and without any consideration of the merits, were able to hear a subsequent summons issued on same facts. Citations: Times 18-May-1998, Times 18-May-1998, Gazette 10-Jun-1998 Statutes: Magistrates Courts Act 1980 15 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Magistrates, Criminal Practice Updated: 18 … Continue reading Environment Agency v Campbell and Another: QBD 18 May 1998
Prosecutor’s appeal against refusal of adjournment. Judges: Lord Justice Keene Mr Justice Jack Citations: [2006] EWHC 1108 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes:
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
World-wide freezing orders had been made under the 1982 Act. The defendants were members of a Turkish family with substantial business interests in the telecommunications industry. In breach of orders made in the US some defendants had sought to hide their assets. They had failed to respond as required to orders to disclose their assest, … Continue reading Motorola Credit Corporation v Uzan and others (No 2): CA 12 Jun 2003
The DPP sought directions as to the issuing of voluntary bills of indictment to have transferred to the Crown Court, allegations of robbery against youths between 12 and 14. Held: A child convicted of an offence for which an adult would receive a custodial sentence can receive a maximum youth training order of 24 months. … Continue reading Regina (Director of Public Prosecutions) v Camberwell Youth Court; Regina (H) v Camberwell Youth Court: QBD 23 Jul 2004
Appeal from finding that allegations were not out of time. Judges: Lady Justice Thirlwall Mr Justice Jeremy Baker Citations: [2022] EWHC 842 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes:
The applicants sought judicial review of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal’s refusal of leave to appeal. The court had to decide whether such a right survived section 101 of the 2001 Act. Held: The right to have a judicial review could only be removed by the clearest of words. A right remained, but it was severely … Continue reading Regina (G) v Immigration Appeal Tribunal; Regina (M) v Immigration Appeal Tribunal: Admn 25 Mar 2004
Judges: Gross LJ, Sweeney J Citations: [2018] EWHC 1044 (Admin), [2018] WLR(D) 276, [2018] 2 Cr App R 18, [2018] LLR 447, [2018] 1 WLR 3792, [2018] Crim LR 756 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes:
A serving prisoner was stabbed to death in his cell. The appellant admitted that he had punched the victim twice but maintained that another man had stabbed him, which explained the incriminating presence of the victim’s blood in the vicinity of the appellant’s cell and on his hand. As the victim lay dying, he uttered, … Continue reading Musone v Regina: CACD 23 May 2007
The applicant sought judicial review of the refusal of the magistrates to state a case for him to appeal to the High Court. He had been convicted of failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis. The magistrates considered the request frivolous within the 1980 Act. He held, as a finding of fact, that … Continue reading Regina v Inner London Justices ex parte Cukic: Admn 1 Sep 1995
The defendant was charged with driving with excess alcohol and being in charge of a vehicle with excess alcohol. It was clear that on the facts the former charge included the latter. The magistrates found the facts proved but convicted only on the driving charge and acquitted on the lesser charge. The prosecutor appealed by … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutors v Gane: Admn 1991
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 police applied to the court for a closure order in respect of premises they said were being used for the sale of Class A drugs. The tenant sought an adjournment, which was granted as were two later applications. On the last hearing, the police did not appear and the application was dismissed as out … Continue reading Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v Hooper: QBD 16 Feb 2005
In 2002 the SFO was investigating allegations that drug companies were selling generic drugs, including penicillin-based antibiotics and warfarin, to the National Health Service at artificially sustained prices. To further the investigation the SFO obtained search warrants and executed them. The company challenged the release of the documents recovered to other government departments. They had … Continue reading Regina (Kent Pharmaceuticals Ltd) v Serious Fraud Office: CA 11 Nov 2004
The police officer had been accused of an offence. The case was discharged under the section at committal. The Commissioner sought to commence disciplinary proceedings on the same evidence. Held: The tests of the two sets of hearings were different. The magistrates had been asked to see whether there was sufficient evidence to justify putting … Continue reading Regina (on the Application of Redgrave) v The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis: CA 22 Jan 2003
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
The court considered how to apply the time limits in the section. There was a system for automatic electronic communication between the police and the court office. The six month time limit expired on the 16th December. The documents served on the defendant showed an ‘information date’ of 10th December, but the summons was dated … Continue reading Atkinson v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 12 May 2004
The defendant faced a charge of robbery. More than six months after the alleged offence the prosecution sought to add alternate charges including one of common assault. The magistrates declined jurisdiction on the ground that, more than six months having elapsed since the date of the offence, new proceedings for the summary offence of common … Continue reading Regina v Scunthorpe Justices ex parte McPhee and Gallagher: Admn 24 Feb 1998
The concept of forfeiture in the Act was dependent upon the seizure of goods. The Act also made a distinction between the initial detention of goods and formal seizure. The six months time limit under the Magistrates Courts Act was calculated from seizure not detention. The seizure was challenged by a notice of claim. Until … Continue reading Commissioners of Customs and Excise v Venn and Others: QBD 11 Dec 2001
Citations: Times 16-Jun-1998 Statutes: Magistrates Courts Act 1980 111(3) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Magistrates Updated: 15 May 2022; Ref: scu.83101
The defendant sought to appeal against a decision of the High Court on a case stated by the Magistrates. Held: A decision by the High Court on an appeal by way of case stated from the Magistrates was final, and no further appeal lay to the Court of Appeal. The Order did not avoid the … Continue reading Westminster City Council v O’Reilly and others: CA 1 Jul 2003
The defendant appealed by case stated against his conviction under the 1956 Act saying that no evidence had been brought that the videos on which the conviction was based were infringing copies. Held: As to items from the US, no evidence had been brought. It was required, and the appeal succeeded. However where the country … Continue reading Musa v Le Maitre: QBD 1987
F who was 16 years old when he appeared before the juvenile court charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm. The justices decided to proceed summarily. No plea was taken. After being released on bail, he later appeared before a different bench, facing additional charges. The justices purported to reverse the previous decision. … Continue reading Regina v Newham Juvenile Court ex parte F (A Minor): QBD 1986
The defendant attained the age of 18 after the offence but before his sentence. Under 18, he would have been subject to an order of detention in a young offenders institution, with a maximum of twelve months. They imposed a sentence of four concurrent detention and training orders totaling 18 months. Held: The 1963 Act, … Continue reading Aldis v Director of Public Prosecutions: CACD 11 Feb 2002
An arraignment was valid despite non attendance at court, and the surety’s duties were not terminated. Arraignment in absence if defendant is not a surrender to custody for bail. Judges: Ralph Gibson LJ Citations: Gazette 23-Mar-1994, Independent 10-Feb-1994, Times 01-Feb-1994, [1994] 1 WLR 438 Statutes: Bail Act 1946 3,
Justices to be slow restricting reports under 4(2) when powers used MCA 80 s8. Citations: Times 28-Jun-1994 Statutes: Contempt of Court Act 1981 4(2), Magistrates Courts Act 1980 8 Criminal Practice Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.86108
The defendant entered an unequivocal plea of guilty before the magistrates and was committed for sentence. By the Crown Court. After sentence, he sought to set aside the plea, wanting to file a defence under the 2015 Act, and requested a direction allowing that under section 142 of the 1980 Act. He was refused. Held: … Continue reading Harvey v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 29 Jan 2021
Palmer was a witness to proceedings before a Magistrates’ Court. Whilst he and the defendant were waiting in the foyer outside the court for the magistrates to consider their decision Palmer threatened the defendant. He was charged with and convicted of a contempt, then sought to appeal. The crown court declined jurisdiction. He then sought … Continue reading Regina v Havant Justices ex parte Palmer: QBD 1985
The claimant had been imprisoned, but his conviction was later overturned. He had been a victim of a gross abuse of executive power. The British authorities had acted in breach of international law and had been guilty of ‘a blatant and extremely serious failure to adhere to the rule of law with regard to the … Continue reading Mullen, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 29 Apr 2004
In each case the local authority sought to recover possession of its own land. In the Lambeth case, they asserted this right as against an overstaying former tenant, and in the Leeds case as against gypsies. In each case the occupiers said that the recovery of possession interfered with their right respect for their family … Continue reading Kay and Another v London Borough of Lambeth and others; Leeds City Council v Price and others and others: HL 8 Mar 2006
Ban on Prisoners talking to Journalists unlawful The two prisoners, serving life sentences for murder, had had their appeals rejected. They continued to protest innocence, and sought to bring their campaigns to public attention through the press, having oral interviews with journalists without undertakings from the journalists not to publish any element of the interview. … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for The Home Department Ex Parte Simms: HL 8 Jul 1999
The defendant appealed against an unsuccessful application to exclude evidence where it was claimed there had been incitement by an agent provocateur. Held: The appeal failed. There is no defence of entrapment in English law. All evidence which is relevant is prima facie admissible in a criminal trial, although the trial judge has a discretion … Continue reading Regina v Sang: HL 25 Jul 1979
Sentencing of Political Protesters The defendants appealed against sentences for causing a public nuisance. They had been protesting against fracking by climbing aboard a lorry and blocking a main road for several days. Held: The appeals from immediate custodial sentences were successful, and suspended sentences imposed. The defendants had expressed remorse for their actions and … Continue reading Roberts and Others v Regina: CACD 6 Dec 2018
The applicants had been made subject of anti-social behaviour orders. They challenged the basis upon which the orders had been made. Held: The orders had no identifiable consequences which would make the process a criminal one. Civil standards of evidence therefore applied, and hearsay evidence was admissible. Nevertheless, the test as to whether it was … Continue reading Clingham (formerly C (a minor)) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Regina v Crown Court at Manchester Ex parte McCann and Others: HL 17 Oct 2002
Defendant must plea to charge, and not counsel The defendants had, through their barrister, entered pleas of guilty, but the crown court had declared the convictions invalid because this had to have been done by the defendants personally, and remitted the cases and the confiscation proceedings to the Magistrates. The prosecutor Council now sought to … Continue reading Westminster City Council v Owadally and Another: Admn 17 May 2017
Presumption against sending Youths to Crown Court W was a youth accused with another of robbery. The District judge magistrate had sent him for trial at the Crown Court although finding ‘[W] is 14 years of age with no previous conviction and is not a persistent offender.’ Held: Woolf LJ approved a statement: ‘in respect … Continue reading W, Regina (on The Application of) v Southampton Youth Court: Admn 23 Jul 2002
Common Law – Public Nuisance – Extent The House considered the elements of the common law offence of public nuisance. One defendant faced accusations of having sent racially offensive materials to individuals. The second was accused of sending an envelope including salt to a friend as a joke. The envelope had leaked causing a terrorist … Continue reading Regina v Rimmington; Regina v Goldstein: HL 21 Jul 2005
There are no degrees of nullity The plaintiffs had owned mining property in Egypt. Their interests were damaged and or sequestrated and they sought compensation from the Respondent Commission. The plaintiffs brought an action for the declaration rejecting their claims was a nullity. The Commission replied that the courts were precluded from considering the question … Continue reading Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission: HL 17 Dec 1968
The claimant had received two injuries resulting in his total blindness. He sought an order of certiorari against the respondent who had found only a 20% disability. The tribunal responded that its decision, under the Act was final. Held: In its decision the tribunal had made reference to the expert medical report and thereby had … Continue reading Regina v Medical Appeal Tribunal ex parte Gilmore; Re Gilmore’s Application: CA 25 Feb 1957
The pursuer sought damages after her husband’s death from lung cancer. She said that the defenders were negligent in having continued to sell him cigarettes knowing that they would cause this. Held: The action failed. The plaintiff had not proved that the smoking of cigarettes was the cause of the lung cancer, and it was … Continue reading McTear v Imperial Tobacco Ltd: OHCS 31 May 2005
The claimant said that she had been detained in excess of the period allowed under the 1987 Regulations, and that that detention was unlawful. She now appealed against the striking out of her claim. Held: Her action failed. The availablility of a remedy by way of judicial review for a breach of statutory duty is … Continue reading Olutu v Home Office: CA 29 Nov 1996
The defendant, a 12 year old boy , had been charged, with others, with offences of violence. He denied the charges. He objected to his interview with admissions being used. On being admitted he then pleaded guilty. Later cases against co-defendants . .
Two fraud prosecutions against the claimants had lasted for 15 and 20 years respectively.
Held: Article 6.1 applies to all stages of criminal proceedings, including sentencing and any appeal. The ‘reasonable time’ in criminal matters, . .
The two prisoners, serving life sentences for murder, had had their appeals rejected. They continued to protest innocence, and sought to bring their campaigns to public attention through the press, having oral interviews with journalists without . .
The defendant appealed against his conviction, saying that his counsel and solicitors had withdrawn at the last moment on the grounds of professional embarrassment, the defendant having altered his instructions. New lawyers were unwilling to assist . .
References: (1861) 1 B & S 311, [1861] EngR 626, (1861) 121 ER 730 Links: Commonlii Coram: Cockburn CJ A defendant seeking to avoid answering questions so as not to incriminate himself is to be given some understanding and latitude in respecting his own interpretation. The beneficiary of a pardon could be called upon to … Continue reading Regina v Boyes; 27 May 1861
Our law-index is a substantial selection from our database. Cases here are restricted in number by date and lack the additional facilities formerly available within lawindexpro. Please do enjoy this free version of the lawindex. Case law does not ‘belong’ to lawyers. Judgments are made up of words which can be read and understood (if … Continue reading law index