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 claimant was serving a prison sentence for serious sexual offences. He would not be released until he had completed a sex offenders programme, but one was not made available, delaying his release. Held: ‘The Secretary of State is not under an absolute duty to devise and provide courses for all who want them and, … Continue reading Regina (on the Application of Cawser) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 5 Nov 2003
Judges: Lord Justice William Davis Mr Justice Fraser Mrs Justice May Citations: [2022] EWCA Crim 986 Links: Bailii Statutes: Sexual Offences Act 2003 3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 03 November 2022; Ref: scu.682286
The defendant appealed against his conviction for murder. He admitted that he had killed his girlfriend with a hammer, but sought to bring psychiatric evidence that he was susceptible to provocation. Held: The law jealously guards the role of the jury, or the court where it is the trier of the facts, as the judge … Continue reading Regina v Turner (Terence): CACD 1974
The claimant challenged his continued detention under the 1971 Act after his appeal to the Immigration Appeal tribunal had been successful. He had been accused of rape, but was convicted of a sexual assault, though still serious. Before being released from his sentence, the respondent had authorised his continued detention under the 1971 Act. The … Continue reading Mohamed, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Admn 16 Jun 2003
The claimant was the child complainant in an allegation of sexual assault. The defendant requested her medical records, and she now complained that she had been unfairly pressured into releasing them. Held: The confidentiality of a patient’s medical records belongs to the patient, and the duty of confidence owed by a medical professional to a … Continue reading TB, Regina (on the Application of) v The Combined Court at Stafford: Admn 4 Jul 2006
The defendant appealed conviction and sentence for sexual assaults on young girls. He complained that the prosecution had been allowed to bring in evidence of previous consistent statements. Held: The evidence of the mother had been admitted in a manner agreed between the defence and prosecutor, and the defence had not gone outside the agreement. … Continue reading Regina v Ali: CACD 14 Nov 2003
The defendant had been convicted of sex related offences involving committing sex acts in the presence of a child, and while they were watching. He was himself under eighteen. He appealed the part of the order declaring him a dangerous sex offender. Held: Such offences when committed by a youth were not serious specified sexual … Continue reading Regina v Blythe: CACD 4 Apr 2008
The defendant appealed convictions for sexual assault against four young girls. Held: The admissibility of ‘similar fact’ evidence depends upon the degree of its relevance. If only suggests propensity it is inadmissible. If it goes further and can be shown to be relevant to, and probative of, a particular issue in the case, then it … Continue reading Regina v Venn: CACD 1 Feb 2003
In each case the court was asked whether a sentence imposed under section 225(2) of the 2003 CJA for the protection of the public could be made to run consecutively to the principle sentence for the offence, and how did this link in with the courts powers under the section 116 PCCA 2003. Held: Some … Continue reading O’Brien, Harris, Moss, Llewellyn and others v Regina: CACD 14 Jul 2006
The defendant appealed his conviction of sexual activity with a person wth a mental disorder. He said that the victim had consented. The court had said that her consent was vitiated by virtue of her mental disorder. Held: For mental disorder or incapacity to found such a prosecution, the lack of capacity had to be … Continue reading Regina v C (Mental disorder: Sexual activity): CACD 23 May 2008
rape of a child under 13 Judges: Lord Justice Coulson Mrs Justice Mcgowan Mr Justice Bourne Citations: [2022] EWCA Crim 805 Links: Bailii Statutes: Sexual Offences Act 20035(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 01 August 2022; Ref: scu.679786
Several appeals were heard on references against unduly lenient sentences of sex offenders. Held: Courts faced particular difficulties when sentencing sex offenders, but there exist guideline cases, and a court engagaed in such a sentencing exercise should be conversant with the guideline cases, and act accordingly. Guideline cases are not to be applied mechanically, but … Continue reading Attorney-General’s Reference (No 37, 38, 44, 45, 51, 53, 35, 40, 43, 45, 41 and 42 of 2003): CACD 23 Oct 2003
Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 8 ; Non-pecuniary damage – financial award ; Costs and expenses partial award – Convention proceedings Citations: 24209/94, [2003] ECHR 391, (2004) 39 EHRR 34 Links: Worldlii, Bailii Jurisdiction: Human Rights Cited by: Cited – Re E (A Child); E v Chief Constable of the Royal … Continue reading YF v Turkey: ECHR 22 Jul 2003
The defendant had been convicted of several offences involing serious assaults. He now appealed against a sentence to imprisonment for public protection. Judges: Latham L, Burton, Teare JJ Citations: [2007] EWCA Crim 2650, [2007] All ER (D) 376 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 2003 225 Citing: Cited – O’Brien, Harris, Moss, Llewellyn and others … Continue reading Crees, Regina v: CACD 24 Oct 2007
The defendant could not be convicted of voyeurism under the 2003 Act for having watched a male’s breasts in a situation where that person might have expected privacy. Judges: Lord Justice Hughes, Mr Justice Treacy and Sir Peter Cresswell Citations: [2008] EWCA Crim 1174, Times 18-Jun-2005 Links: Bailii Statutes: Sexual Offences Act 2003 68(1)(a) Jurisdiction: … Continue reading Bassett, Regina v: CACD 14 May 2008
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
The defendant had been convicted of posing as a solicitor in order to commit frauds. He appealed, saying that the court had wrongly admitted evidence of his dealings with illegal immigrants. Held: The evidence admitted was highly relevant as evidence of bad character. The section has to be applied after a fact-specific exercise. The court … Continue reading Tirnaveanu, Regina v: CACD 24 May 2007
The court provided explanation of the nature of sentences passed for public protection under the 2003 Act, and in particular whether it was correct to base the assessment on previous convictions. Held: ‘dangerousness’ is intended to represent a convenient shorthand for those cases where ‘The court is of the opinion that there is a significant … Continue reading Johnson, Regina v; Regina vHamilton; Attorney General’s Reference (No 64 of 2006): CACD 20 Oct 2006
The defendant had been convicted of repeatedly raping a 12 week old girl, and other sexual offences against young girls. After pleading guilty, the judge had passed a life sentence setting the minimum term at six years which was lower because of the guilty plea. His partner had been convicted as an accomplice but took … Continue reading French and Webster, Regina v (Attorney General’s Reference No 14 and No 15 of 2006): CACD 8 Jun 2006
Judges: Rose VP CACD LJ, Richards, Bean JJ Citations: [2004] EWCA Crim 2646, [2005] 1 Cr App R (S) 102 Links: Bailii Statutes: Sexual Offences Act 2003 67(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 01 July 2022; Ref: scu.226797
The claimant had sought to bring proceedings against the respondent, but as a mental patient subject to the 1983 Act, had been obliged by the section first to obtain consent. The parties disputed whether the failure was a procedural or substantial failing and whether it made the proceedings a nullity. Held: The claimant’s appeal failed. … Continue reading Seal v Chief Constable of South Wales Police: HL 4 Jul 2007
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 defendant was to have been accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16. Proceedings could not be brought, because the allegation was more than a year old, and he was instead accused of indecent assault, but on the same facts. He appealed against his conviction, saying this was an abuse of … Continue reading Regina v J: HL 14 Oct 2004
The defendant appealed the admission of similar fact evidence against him. Acts of buggery were alleged by a schoolmaster with boys in which the accused was the passive partner. Held: In order to be admissible similar facts must bear a striking similarity to the facts of the case currently before the court.Lord Morris of Borth-y-Gest … Continue reading Regina v Boardman: HL 1974
The court considered appeals by the Attorney-General against sentences considered to be too lenient, and in particular where a community penalty had been imposed rather than a sentence of immediate imprisonment. Held: The Court emphasised the need for the strict care to be taken in selecting such cases, for appeal. The court should not interfere … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference v Nos. 31, 45, 43, 42, 50 and 51 of 2003; Regina v McInerney; Regina v McLean: CACD 16 Jul 2004
The six claimants sought damages for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment. Each had been arrested on an officer’s suspicion. They operated CCTV equipment, and it appeared that tapes showing the commission of an offence had been tampered with. Each was of good character, and the suspicion was based solely on their opportunity to have access … Continue reading Cumming and others v Chief Constable of Northumbria Police: CA 17 Dec 2003
Two defendants appealed in respect of alleged offences under common law of causing a public nuisance. One had sent race hatred material, and the other bomb hoaxes, through the post. Both claimed that the offence was so ill defined as to be an infringement of their rights. Held: The offence of causing a public nuisance … Continue reading Goldstein, Rimmington v Regina: CACD 28 Nov 2003
PC (Jamaica) The defendants appealed against their convictions for capital murder. Held: The appeals were allowed, and non-capital convictions substituted. It is not enough to comply with section 2(2), for the judge to give directions to the jury about the law of joint enterprise and as to whether the murder was committed in the circumstances … Continue reading Hunter, Moodie v The Queen: PC 8 Oct 2003
There had been a racist attack. The victim was set on fire and killed in the street by assailants. His relatives sought compensation. However the assailants were not agents of the state and they were duly prosecuted, convicted and sentenced. No blame attached to state authorities for the killing and no breach of the state’s … Continue reading Menson v United Kingdom: ECHR 6 May 2003
The defendant had been sentenced for offences of violence, but an additional period was imposed to protect the public. He had been refused leave for reconsideration of that part of his sentence after he completed the normal segment of his sentence. He wanted a consideration which would parallel the new won rights of review for … Continue reading Giles, Regina (on the Application of) v Parole Board and Another: HL 31 Jul 2003
The court rejected a challenge to the Home Secretary’s decision to substitute a period of 18 months for the 9 months recommended by the Parole Board to be passed in open conditions before the prisoner’s next review. ‘[The right not to be detained arbitrarily] can be breached as a matter of law if the Home … Continue reading Spence, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 23 May 2003
Certification of point of law for an appeal to the House of Lords: ‘Whether it is an abuse of process for the Crown to prosecute a charge of indecent assault under Section 14(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 in circumstances where the conduct upon which that charge is based is an act of unlawful … Continue reading Regina v Jones: CACD 16 Jan 2003
The applicant was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for theft. He had a previous convictions and was thought to have a persistent tendency to crime, and was placed at the government’s disposal for 10 years on that ground. This was subject to appeal, and was classified not as a security measure but as a penalty … Continue reading Van Droogenbroeck v Belgium: ECHR 24 Jun 1982
The court allowed an appeal against conviction on charges of sex abuse where the underlying offences had taken place many years before. ‘In this case it has to be recognised that because of the delay that occurred, in our judgment the appellant was put in an impossible position to defend himself. He was not . … Continue reading Regina v B: CACD 2003
Administrative Discretion to be Used Reasonably The applicant challenged the manner of decision making as to the conditions which had been attached to its licence to open the cinema on Sundays. It had not been allowed to admit children under 15 years of age. The statute provided no appeal procedure, and the applicant sought a … Continue reading Associated Provincial Picture Houses Ltd v Wednesbury Corporation: CA 10 Nov 1947
The defendant complained that the long delay in his prosecution for alleged sexual assaults was an abuse. Held: Complaints about delays should normally be dealt with by the court of trial having heard the evidence. It was in the nature of allegations of sexual assault by children, that the courage to complain might only come … Continue reading Regina v Smolenski: CACD 4 May 2004
The defendant appealed his conviction for causing a child to watch a sexual act for the purposes of sexual gratification. He said there was no evidence of an intention to obtain immediate gratification. Held: The Act made no mention of the timing of the intended gratification. It was plain that that was the intention. The … Continue reading Regina v Abdullahi: CACD 24 Jul 2006
Judges: Lord Justice Haddon-Cave Citations: [2022] EWCA Crim 412 Links: Bailii Statutes: Sexual Offences Act 2003 3, Criminal Justice Act 1988 39 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime Updated: 01 May 2022; Ref: scu.675603
The defendant had approached the complainant as she walked at night to post a letter. When she declined to have sex with him, he grabbed her track suit bottoms by the pcket. She ran off. He appealed conviction for sexual assault, saying that the touching had not been sexual. Held: To decide whether a touching … Continue reading Regina v H (Sexual Assault: Touching): CACD 1 Feb 2005
The defendant appealed sentences for battery with iintent to commit sexual assault. Held: In general the existing authorities on sentencing of sex offenders should apply to the new offences, with an allowance made for the lower maximum sentence under the new offence as against rape or attempted rape. Judges: Rose LJ, Douglas Brown J, Mackay … Continue reading Regina v Wisniewski: CACD 9 Dec 2004
The Attorney General appealed the sentence of 18 months imposed on the defendant for sexual assault by a digital penetration. Held: The maximum sentences for the offence had been increased to life imprisonment, and accordingly sentence levels generally should be increased beyond what it would have been when classified as an indecent assault. The starting … Continue reading Regina v Garvey, Attorney-General’s Reference (No 104 of 2004): CACD 25 Oct 2004
The House considered how to frame an indictment in a case of buggery where the prescribed punishment differed depending on the particular factual ingredients. Held: Lord Diplock said: ‘Where it is provided by a statute that an accused person’s liability to have inflicted upon him a maximum punishment which, if the prosecution are successful in … Continue reading Regina v Courtie: HL 1984
The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003
The claimant made a claim as regards a sexual assault committed against him in prison. The Panel refused the claim on the basis that he had consented. Held: A claim might succeed where the consent was vitiated in such circumstances as would leave the assault a criminal offence. The claimant was vulnerable and had been … Continue reading Regina (E) v Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel: CA 3 Mar 2003
The claimant dived into a lake, severely injuring himself. The council appealed liability, arguing that it owed him no duty of care under the Act since he was a trespasser. It had placed warning signs to deter swimmers. Held: The council’s appeal succeeded. The risk of injury arose, not from any danger due to the … Continue reading Tomlinson v Congleton Borough Council and others: HL 31 Jul 2003
Power of court on appeal to vary Sexual Offences Prevention Order Judges: Lord Judge Cj, Openshaw, Irwin Jj Citations: [2012] EWCA Crim 1456, [2012] WLR(D) 196 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Sexual Offences Act 2003 104(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 17 April 2022; Ref: scu.461908
The Crown was given leave to appeal what it saw to be an unduly lenient sentence of the defendant following his becoming liable to be sentenced as a repeat offender iunder the 2003 Act. The main offence was that he had threatened his partner’s life by pointing a loaded crossbow at her. The prosecution said … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference No 87 of 2006, Regina v Daniel Peter Geddes: CACD 24 Oct 2006
The applicants had had their requests for asylum refused. They complained that if they were removed from the UK, their article 3 rights would be infringed. If they were returned to Pakistan or Vietnam they would be persecuted for their religious faiths. Held: A distinction was to be made between domestic cases involving actions within … Continue reading Regina v Special Adjudicator ex parte Ullah; Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 17 Jun 2004
An injunction effective against the world, was granted to restrain any act to identify the claimant in the media, including the Internet. She had been convicted of murder when a child, and had since had a child herself. An order had been granted protecting her and her child until the child was 18. She now … Continue reading X, A Woman Formerly Known As Mary Bell v Stephen O’Brien, News Group Newspapers Ltd MGN Ltd: QBD 21 May 2003
T and JB, asserted that the reference in certificates issued by the state to cautions given to them violated their right to respect for their private life under article 8 of the Convention. T further claims that the obligation cast upon him to disclose the warnings given to him violated the same right. Held: The … Continue reading T and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department and Another: SC 18 Jun 2014
The Court considered a complaint that Article 10 had been infringed by the applicant’s conviction of an offence of publishing obscene items, consisting of paintings which were said ‘mostly to offend the sense of sexual propriety of persons of ordinary sensitivity’. Held: There was no breach of Article 10 ‘Artists and those who promote their … Continue reading Muller And Others v Switzerland: ECHR 24 May 1988
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
The applicant, a catholic priest, challenged his extradition for alleged offences of sexual abuse which had taken place in the 1980s, saying it would be an abuse now to prosecute him after such a delay. Held: The case of R v B was of a particular character and not of assistance to the applicant. The … Continue reading Woodcock v The Government of New Zealand: QBD 14 Nov 2003
UTIAC Country guidance (1) In the aftermath of the armed revolution that brought about the fall of the dictatorial and repressive regime of Colonel Qadhafi, the central government in Libya has relied on various militias to undertake security and policing functions. Those militias and the many others that operate within Libya, often have their own … Continue reading AT and Others (Article 15C; Risk Categories) (CG): UTIAC 14 Jul 2014
The claimant had been convicted of a sexual offence many years before and was initially subject to an indefinite obligation to report his whereabouts to the police. After section 91B of the 2003 Act came in he asked for the requirements to be discontinued. He now challenged a refusal by the police and magistrates to … Continue reading Hamill v The Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court and Another: Admn 8 Aug 2014
(City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court – Sitting at Belmarsh Magistrates’ Court) The authority sought the extradition of the defendant to Sweden to face prosecution on allegations of sexual assaults. The defendant argued that the Act allowed extradition only for prosecution, and that in this case questioning only was sought and an extradition would be an … Continue reading The Judicial Authority in Sweden v Assange: 24 Feb 2011
The claimant sought damages for malicious prosecution, and sought to adduce similar fact evidence. The defendant appealed an order admitting the evidence. Held: Comparisons between admission of similar fact evidence in civil and criminal proceedings were made. In general, the greater the putative force of the evidence the less ready a court should be to … Continue reading O’Brien v Chief Constable of the South Wales Police: CA 23 Jul 2003
peck_ukECHR2003 The claimant had been filmed by CCTV. He had, after attempting suicide, left home with a knife, been arrested by the police and disarmed, but then sent home without charge. The CCTV film was used on several occasions to advertise the effectiveness of the CCTV system, of the police and otherwise. Only in later … Continue reading Peck v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 Jan 2003
The defendant had been brought to the UK in a manner which was in breach of extradition law. He had, in effect, been kidnapped by the authorities. Held: The High Court may look at how an accused person was brought within the jurisdiction when examining a question about that person’s detention. It is axiomatic ‘that … Continue reading Regina v Horseferry Road Magistrates’ Court, ex Parte Bennett (No 1): HL 24 Jun 1993
Same Sex Partner Entitled to tenancy Succession The protected tenant had died. His same-sex partner sought a statutory inheritance of the tenancy. Held: His appeal succeeded. The Fitzpatrick case referred to the position before the 1998 Act: ‘Discriminatory law undermines the rule of law because it is the antithesis of fairness. It brings the law … Continue reading Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004
Police Officers had been acquitted of misconduct in public office. They had stood by in a police station custody suite as a prisoner lay on the floor and died. Held: The trial took place before R -v- G which had overruled Caldwell. The standard of recklessness to be show was that laid down in Cunningham. … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference (No 3 of 2003): CACD 7 Apr 2004
The claimant appealed against the denial of her claim that the defendant had infringed her right to respect for her private life. She was a model who had proclaimed publicly that she did not take drugs, but the defendant had published a story showing a picture of her leaving a drug addiction clinic, along with … Continue reading Campbell v Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd (MGN) (No 1): HL 6 May 2004
The claimant, attempting to slide down the banisters at the defendants’ premises, fell 4 metres suffering severe injury. She claimed in negligence and occupiers’ liability. The local council had waived a requirement that the balustrade meet the minimum height. The defendant had been told that it would neither be allowed to increase its height nor … Continue reading Geary v JD Wetherspoon Plc: QBD 14 Jun 2011
The House gave guidance how it would treat an invitation to depart from a previous decision of the House. Such a course was possible, but the direction was not an ‘open sesame’ for a differently constituted committee to prefer their views to those of the committee which determined the decision unanimously or by a majority. … Continue reading Practice Statement (Judicial Precedent): HL 1966
A Police Constable’s fleeting view of a Defendant could be sufficient identification, subject to checks in court. However a Turnbull warning as to the need for corroboration may not always be necessary. The ‘striking similarity’ or ‘signature’ test would continue to apply in all cases where identification was in issue, but even where identity is … Continue reading Regina v Williams (John): QBD 7 Oct 1994
(Grand Chamber) The applicants complained that on being arrested on suspicion of offences, samples of their DNA had been taken, but then despite being released without conviction, the samples had retained on the Police database. Held: (Unanimous) The retention was unlawful. Though other member states retained some DNA samples in certain conditions, the UK was … Continue reading Marper v United Kingdom; S v United Kingdom: ECHR 4 Dec 2008
Police Retention of Suspects DNA and Fingerprints The claimants complained that their fingerprints and DNA records taken on arrest had been retained after discharge before trial, saying the retention of the samples infringed their right to private life. Held: The parts of DNA used for testing are not generally capable of revealing medical information about … Continue reading S, Regina (on Application of) v South Yorkshire Police; Regina v Chief Constable of Yorkshire Police ex parte Marper: HL 22 Jul 2004
The defendant appealed against his conviction for rape, raising an issue as to the proper approach to a judgment whether to exclude evidence of sexual behaviour of the complainant relating to a ‘relevant issue in the case’ within the meaning of section 41(2) of the 1999 Act. The appellant argued that the trial judge’s ruling … Continue reading Gjoni v Regina: CACD 9 Apr 2014
The court set down the conditions for the award of exemplary damages. There are two categories. The first is where there has been oppressive or arbitrary conduct by a defendant. Cases in the second category are those in which the defendant’s conduct has been calculated by him to make a profit for himself which may … Continue reading Rookes v Barnard (No 1): HL 21 Jan 1964
The applicants had been imprisoned and held without trial, being suspected of international terrorism. No criminal charges were intended to be brought. They were foreigners and free to return home if they wished, but feared for their lives if they did. A British subject, who was suspected in the exact same way, and there were … Continue reading A v Secretary of State for the Home Department, and X v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Dec 2004
The claimant had decided to go for a midnight swim, but was injured diving and hitting a submerged bed. The landowner appealed a finding that it was 25% liable. The claimant asserted that the defendant knew that swimmers were common. Held: The Act imposed liability if four conditions were met: the premises were dangerous, the … Continue reading Donoghue v Folkestone Properties Limited: CA 27 Feb 2003
Effect upon sentencing of amendments to dangerous offender provisions Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd CJ, Mitting, Thirlwall JJ [2014] WLR(D) 110, [2014] 2 Cr App R (S) 45, [2015] 1 All ER 93, [2014] 1 WLR 4209, [2014] EWCA Crim 334 WLRD, Bailii Criminal Justice Act 2003, Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 … Continue reading Burinskas, Regina v, (Attorney General’s Reference (No 27 of 2013)): CACD 4 Mar 2014
The claimant challenged a formal caution administered against him for an alleged sexual assault. He denied that he had made any clear admission of the offence. Held: The requirement under the procedure was for a clear admission of guilt, but that admission could be taken from answers given in interview. Even so, here, there was … Continue reading Wyman, Regina (on the Application of) v The Chief Constable of Hampshire Constaulary: Admn 24 Jul 2006
The defendant appealed against her conviction for assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty. He had sought to caution her with regard to activity as a prostitute. The 1959 Act gave no power to detain, but he took hold of her. She resisted, and injured him. Held: There was no arrest, and … Continue reading Collins v Wilcock: QBD 1984
The defendant was accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he had made silent phone calls which were taken as threatening. Held: An assault might consist of the making of a silent telephone call in circumstances where it causes fear of immediate and unlawful violence. The court asked how is it to be determined … Continue reading Regina v Burstow, Regina v Ireland: HL 24 Jul 1997
The House was asked to consider whether there existed the crime of a conspiracy to commit a public mischief. Held: There was no such crime, since it was so undefined as to be unfair to any defendant. Although at common law no clear distinction was originally drawn between conspiracies to ‘cheat’ and conspiracies to ‘defraud … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecution v Withers: HL 20 Nov 1974
Deception as to identity did not undermine consent The claimant had been an environmental campaigner. She had had a sexual relationship with a man who was unknown to her an undercover police officer. She now challenged the decision not to prosecute him for rape. Held: Her claim failed. Case law suggested that no prosecution had … Continue reading Monica, Regina (on The Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 14 Dec 2018
The claimants had been wrongly imprisoned for a murder they did not commit. The assessor had deducted from their compensation a sum to represent the living costs they would have incurred if living freely. They also appealed differences from a prisoner also wrongly accused of the same crime, in the percentage deduction made for their … Continue reading O’Brien and others v Independent Assessor: HL 14 Mar 2007
The defendant appealed against his sentence to eight years imprisonment on 8 counts of indecent assault. The offences occurred between 1977 and 1984. Held: Each of the victims was young and vulnerable and the assaults had had continuing effects on their lives. The aggravating features were: ‘There were four girls or young women involved; one … Continue reading Clifford, Regina v: CACD 7 Nov 2014
Reckless HIV transmission – Grievous Bodily Harm The defendant appealed against his conviction for inflicting grievous bodily harm. He had HIV/Aids, and was found to have transmitted the disease by intercourse when the victims were not informed of his condition. It was not suggested that any rape had occurred or that he had intended to … Continue reading Regina v Dica: CACD 5 May 2004
Evidence allowed – Care Application after Abuse Children had made allegations of serious sexual abuse against their step-father. He was acquitted at trial, but the local authority went ahead with care proceedings. The parents appealed against a finding that a likely risk to the children had still been been found. Held: A care order could … Continue reading In re H and R (Minors) (Child Sexual Abuse: Standard of Proof): HL 14 Dec 1995
The prosecutor appealed against a successful appeal by the defendant against his conviction for murder. He and an opponent had engaged in a street battle using guns. His opponent had shot an innocent passer by. The court was now asked as to whether the doctrine of transferred malice could be applied alongside that of joint … Continue reading Gnango, Regina v: SC 14 Dec 2011
After conviction on his own admission for wounding with intent, and with a finding that he posed a threat to the public, the defendant was sentenced to imprisonment for public protection. Such sentences were abolished with effect from the day after . .
The appellant owned farmland tenanted by a limited partnership. One partner gave notice and the remaining partners indicated a claim for a new tenancy. He was prevented from recovering possession by section 72 of the 2003 Act. Though his claim had . .
Two defendants accused of murder each sought to place blame for the victim’s death on the other. One sought to rely upon the other’s record of violence as evidence of his co-accused’s propensity to violence.
Held: The record was admissible. By . .
Application for judicial review of the refusal of the Director of Public Prosecutions to initiate a prosecution for rape and/or sexual assault of the claimant by her former partner. The claimant said that she had initially consented to sex with her . .
References: [2011] EW Misc 5 (MC) Links: Bailii Coram: Howard Riddle, Senior District Judge Ratio:(City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court – Sitting at Belmarsh Magistrates’ Court) The authority sought the extradition of the defendant to Sweden to face prosecution on allegations of sexual assaults. The defendant argued that the Act allowed extradition only for prosecution, and … Continue reading The judicial authority in Sweden v Assange; 24 Feb 2011
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The defendant appealed against his sentence of three and a half years imprisonment after conviction for causing another to engage in sexual activity without consent. Though otherwise of previous good characetr he had a caution for a similar assault. The judge had adopted a sentencing range more serious than that suggested by both defence and … Continue reading Ayeva, Regina v: CACD 19 Nov 2009
The defendant, with no previous convictions appealed against conviction for sexual assaults on vulnerable women at the care home at which he worked. He said that the evidence was so weak that it should not have been left for the jury. Special procedures under the 1999 Act had been used for the complainants to give … Continue reading Regina v Watts: CACD 23 Jul 2010
The defendant appealed his sentence for the rape of a child under 13. Held: In setting the sentence, the judge had referred to consultation guidelines issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council. The applicable guide case was Millberry until and unless the consultation was concluded and new guidance given. The sentence was reduced to the starting … Continue reading Regina v Lloyd (BP): CACD 28 Feb 2007
The defendant appealed against his conviction for sexual grooming. Held: ‘On the face of it, the fact that the description of the offence in the heading is ‘meeting a child following sexual grooming etc’ might be taken to suggest that the behaviour antecedent to any arranged meeting must itself be sexual in nature. The phrase … Continue reading Gaviria v Regina: CACD 19 Jul 2010
Police appeal against refusal of court to uphold sexual offences prevention order. Judges: Hughes LJ, Treacy J Citations: [2007] EWHC 1792 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Sexual Offences Act 2003 104(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Practice Updated: 05 December 2022; Ref: scu.258807
Mr Leander had been refused employment at a museum located on a naval base, having been assessed as a security risk on the basis of information stored on a register maintained by State security services that had not been disclosed him. Mr Leander complained that he should have been provided with the information in question, … Continue reading Leander v Sweden: ECHR 26 Mar 1987
The victim complied with the defendant’s instructions, given in text messages where he was posing as a police officer, to the effect that she should have sexual intercourse with him. These offences were committed either side of the coming into force of the 2003 Act; and, in relation to the pre-May 2004 period, they were … Continue reading Jheeta, Regina v: CACD 11 Jul 2007
Whether the imposition of a Notification Order (‘N/O’) under section 97 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (‘SOA 2003’) was disproportionate and breached Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights Judges: Lord Justice Haddon-Cave and Mr Justice Holgate Citations: [2020] EWHC 1053 (Admin) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing, Human Rights … Continue reading Halabi, Regina (on The Application of) v The Crown Court At Southwark: Admn 1 May 2020
The defendant was convicted of murder. Evidence during the trial suggested a possibility of manslaughter, but neither the defence nor prosecution proposed the alternate verdict. The defendant now appealed saying that the judge had an independent duty to leave that option to the jury. Held: The appeal succeeded. The judge should have left a manslaughter … Continue reading Regina v Coutts: HL 19 Jul 2006
Against sentence of 6 months after failure to notify a change of address as required by the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Held: Two months’ imprisonment should be substituted Citations: [2005] EWCA Crim 3612 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 24 November 2022; Ref: scu.239062
Judges: Sir Brian Leveson P QBD, Walker J Citations: [2015] EWHC 688 (Admin), [2015] 2 Cr App R (S) 25, (2015) 179 JP 187, [2015] WLR(D) 135 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: Sexual Offences Act 2003 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 20 November 2022; Ref: scu.544835
