Search Results for: Criminal Justice Act 2003 21

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Mullen, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 29 Apr 2004

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

Kay and Another v London Borough of Lambeth and others; Leeds City Council v Price and others and others: HL 8 Mar 2006

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

Billingham, Regina v: CACD 23 Jan 2009

The defendants appealed against their convictions for murder, saying that the judge had misdirected the jury as to the value of previous exculpatory statements. The principal evidence against them were statement from two witnesses, one himself convicted of murder, and each of whom had made inconsistent prior statements exculpatory of the defendants. Held: The judge’s … Continue reading Billingham, Regina v: CACD 23 Jan 2009

Engel And Others v The Netherlands (1): ECHR 8 Jun 1976

The court was asked whether proceedings in a military court against soldiers for disciplinary offences involved criminal charges within the meaning of Article 6(1): ‘In this connection, it is first necessary to know whether the provision(s) defining the offence charged belong, according to the legal system of the respondent State, to criminal law, disciplinary law … Continue reading Engel And Others v The Netherlands (1): ECHR 8 Jun 1976

Regina v Secretary of State for The Home Department Ex Parte Simms: HL 8 Jul 1999

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

Gale and Another v Serious Organised Crime Agency: SC 26 Oct 2011

Civil recovery orders had been made against the applicant. He had been accused and acquitted of drug trafficking allegations in Europe, but the judge had been persuaded that he had no proper explanation for the accumulation of his wealth, and had rejected his evidence as unreliable. Held: The defendant’s appeal failed. The making of an … Continue reading Gale and Another v Serious Organised Crime Agency: SC 26 Oct 2011

Perry and Others v Serious Organised Crime Agency: SC 25 Jul 2012

The first appellant had been convicted of substantial frauds in Israel. He appealed against world wide asset freezing (PFO) and disclosure (DO) orders made against him. Neither the appellant, nor his offences were connected with the UK. A bank account within the UK had been disclosed. Held: The appeals succeeded (Judge and Clarke dissenting). The … Continue reading Perry and Others v Serious Organised Crime Agency: SC 25 Jul 2012

Watkins v Home Office and others: HL 29 Mar 2006

The claimant complained of misfeasance in public office by the prisons for having opened and read protected correspondence whilst he was in prison. The respondent argued that he had suffered no loss. The judge had found that bad faith was established in three prison officers. In one case the officer opened the letter in front … Continue reading Watkins v Home Office and others: HL 29 Mar 2006

Regina (Daly) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 23 May 2001

A prison policy requiring prisoners not to be present when their property was searched and their mail was examined was unlawful. The policy had been introduced after failures in search procedures where officers had been intimidated by the presence of prisoners. Particularly when examining documents subject to legal professional privilege, the rules did not allow … Continue reading Regina (Daly) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 23 May 2001

Regina v Sang: HL 25 Jul 1979

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

Bayliss v Parole Board of England and Wales and Another: CA 16 Dec 2014

The Court of Appeal Criminal Division had quashed an indeterminate sentence imposed on the claimant under s.225(3) of the CJA 2003 on an appeal brought long out of time on the ground that there had been no proper basis for the original finding that the Applicant posed a significant risk of serious harm to the … Continue reading Bayliss v Parole Board of England and Wales and Another: CA 16 Dec 2014

Regina v Kehoe: CACD 8 Apr 2008

The defendant appealed against the imposition of a life sentence with a minimum of four and a half years imprisonment through section 225. Held: A finding under section 225 would lead to adequate protection against the defendant, and the addition of a life term should be reserved for truly exceptional cases. Pre-2003 cases should not … Continue reading Regina v Kehoe: CACD 8 Apr 2008

Regina v Szczerba: CACD 6 Feb 2002

The defendant appealed against sentence following conviction for burglary and false imprisonment. He had received sentences of 8 years and life respectively, with a determinate period of 11 years, and an earliest release of 6 years. The sentences had been on the basis that the offence of false imprisonment was an offence of violence. He … Continue reading Regina v Szczerba: CACD 6 Feb 2002

Serious Fraud Office v Evans and Others: QBD 14 Nov 2014

The court faced an application by the SFO for a voluntary bill of indictment. Similar charges against the defendants had been discharged. The allegations involved very substantial alleged frauds. Fulford LJ [2014] EWHC 3803 (QB) Bailii Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1933 2(2)(b) England and Wales Citing: Cited – Regina (on the Application of) … Continue reading Serious Fraud Office v Evans and Others: QBD 14 Nov 2014

Jones and Others, Regina v: CACD 16 Jul 2014

The several defendants were convicted of involvement in a conspiracy to fund a very substantial property portfolio by deceiving mortgage lenders. They said that the evidence of an expert witness was biasd and that they had not been allowed to put before the court evidence that she had been criticised for bias elsewhere. Held: The … Continue reading Jones and Others, Regina v: CACD 16 Jul 2014

Regina v Chief Constable of North Wales Police and Others Ex Parte Thorpe and Another; Regina v Chief Constable for North Wales Police Area and others ex parte AB and CB: CA 18 Mar 1998

Public Identification of Pedophiles by Police AB and CB had been released from prison after serving sentences for sexual assaults on children. They were thought still to be dangerous. They moved about the country to escape identification, and came to be staying on a campsite. The police sought to co-operate in the resettlement of the … Continue reading Regina v Chief Constable of North Wales Police and Others Ex Parte Thorpe and Another; Regina v Chief Constable for North Wales Police Area and others ex parte AB and CB: CA 18 Mar 1998

Husayn (Abu Zubaydah) v Poland: ECHR 24 Jul 2014

ECHR Article 3 Torture Effective investigation Extradition Torture and inhuman and degrading treatment during and following applicants’ extraordinary rendition to CIA: violations Article 5 Article 5-1 Lawful arrest or detention Detention during and following operation involving extraordinary rendition to CIA: violations Article 6 Criminal proceedings Article 6-1 Fair hearing Extraordinary rendition to CIA despite real … Continue reading Husayn (Abu Zubaydah) v Poland: ECHR 24 Jul 2014

Al Nashiri v Poland (Legal Summary): ECHR 24 Jul 2014

ECHR Article 3 Torture Effective investigation Extradition Torture and inhuman and degrading treatment during and following applicants’ extraordinary rendition to CIA: violations Article 2 Extradition Article 2-1 Death penalty Extraordinary rendition to CIA of suspected terrorist facing capital charges: violation Article 5 Article 5-1 Lawful arrest or detention Detention during and following operation involving extraordinary … Continue reading Al Nashiri v Poland (Legal Summary): ECHR 24 Jul 2014

Al-Fayed and others v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and others: CA 25 Nov 2004

The appellants appealed from dismissal of their claims for wrongful imprisonment by the respondent. Each had attended at a police station for interview on allegations of theft. They had been arrested and held pending interview and then released. Mr Rowland had left a box in the safe security system under the appellants control. They variously … Continue reading Al-Fayed and others v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and others: CA 25 Nov 2004

Occidental Exploration and Production Company vRepublic of Ecuador: CA 9 Sep 2005

The parties had arbitrated their dispute in London under a bilateral investment treaty between the US and Ecuador. The republic sought to appeal the arbitration. The applicant now appealed an order that the English High Court had jurisdiction to hear the appeal. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The treaty was intended to encourage bilateral trading … Continue reading Occidental Exploration and Production Company vRepublic of Ecuador: CA 9 Sep 2005

Assange v The Swedish Prosecution Authority: SC 30 May 2012

The defendant sought to resist his extradition under a European Arrest Warrant to Sweden to face charges of sexual assaults. He said that the prosecutor who sought the extradition was not a judicial authority within the Framework Decision. Held: The appeal failed (Lord Mance dissenting). The term ‘judicial authority’ had a range of meanings. Under … Continue reading Assange v The Swedish Prosecution Authority: SC 30 May 2012

National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Former HL decision in Siebe Gorman overruled The company had become insolvent. The bank had a debenture and claimed that its charge over the book debts had become a fixed charge. The preferential creditors said that the charge was a floating charge and that they took priority. Held: The appeal was allowed. The debenture, although … Continue reading National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Buckinghamshire County Council v North West Estates plc and others: ChD 31 May 2002

The planning authority sought injunctions for enforcement notices. The landowner argued that human rights law required the court when looking at such a request to look at the entire planning history. Held: Although the court could look to a document directly referred to by a notice before requiring it to be followed, it was not … Continue reading Buckinghamshire County Council v North West Estates plc and others: ChD 31 May 2002

Regina v Gough (Robert): HL 1993

The defendant had been convicted of robbery. He appealed, saying that a member of the jury was a neighbour to his brother, and there was therefore a risk of bias. This was of particular significance as the defendant was charged with conspiracy with that brother to commit burglaries. The juror had sworn an affidavit that … Continue reading Regina v Gough (Robert): HL 1993

Regina (Annette Carson) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Admn 22 May 2002

The claimant received a UK state pension. She lived in South Africa, and challenged the exclusion of foreign resident pensioners from the annual uprating of pension benefits. She asserted that the state pension, or its uprating, were pecuniary rights, and were therefore possessions within the Convention. Held: It was difficult to distinguish the appellant’s case … Continue reading Regina (Annette Carson) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Admn 22 May 2002

Regina (Crown Prosecution Service) v Guildford Crown Court: QBD 4 Jul 2007

The defendant had been convicted of rape. The judge had decided that an extended sentence was appropriate, and added four years to the seven year sentence under section 227. However the judge had no jurisdiction to do so, he retired on the same day and could not correct his mistake, and the prosecution delayed the … Continue reading Regina (Crown Prosecution Service) v Guildford Crown Court: QBD 4 Jul 2007

Oxfordshire County Council v Oxford City Council, Catherine Mary Robinson: ChD 22 Jan 2004

Land had been registered in part as a common. The council appealed. Held: The rights pre-existing the Act had not been lost. The presumption against retrospectively disapplying vested rights applied, and the application had properly been made. The claimant was entitled to register part only of the area of land original included. An application was … Continue reading Oxfordshire County Council v Oxford City Council, Catherine Mary Robinson: ChD 22 Jan 2004

Cheltenham Borough Council v Laird: QBD 15 Jun 2009

The council sought damages saying that their former chief executive had not disclosed her history of depressive illness when applying for her job. Held: The replies were not dishonest as the form could have been misconstrued. The claim failed. Hamblen J [2009] EWHC 1253 (QB) Bailii England and Wales Citing: Cited – Fowkes And Another, … Continue reading Cheltenham Borough Council v Laird: QBD 15 Jun 2009

Regina v Riat and Others: CACD 11 Jul 2012

Five defendants appealed against their convictions after the admission of hearsay evidence. Held: The court re-iterated that the importance of the hearsay evidence to the case remained a vital consideration when deciding upon its admissibility, but there was no overarching rule that ‘sole or decisive’ evidence was inadmissible. Hughes LJ VP set out the principles … Continue reading Regina v Riat and Others: CACD 11 Jul 2012

Regina v Bowman and Another: CACD 15 Apr 2014

The defendants appealed against their convictions for serious firearms offences, saying that the court had wrongly admitted evidence of their previous convictions as evidence of propensity. Fulford LJ, Hickinbottom, Simler DBE JJ [2014] EWCA Crim 716 Bailii Criminal Justice Act 2003 101(1)(d) England and Wales Crime Updated: 02 December 2021; Ref: scu.523749

Taylor v The Queen: CACD 2 Apr 2014

The defendant appealed against his conviction for sexual assault on his child niece. He said that he had not been allowed to put to her allegations that she had made other, and false allegations against boys. Held: The appeal failed: ‘although, essentially, Miss Bache was pursuing a bad character application, out of an excess of … Continue reading Taylor v The Queen: CACD 2 Apr 2014

McInnes v Her Majesty’s Advocate: SC 10 Feb 2010

The defendant complained that the prosecution had not disclosed the fact that a prosecution witness had convictions, and that had it been disclosed it would have undermined the prosecution. Other statements taken were not disclosed as had later become standard practice. Held: The test for whether should have been disclosed is to ask whether there … Continue reading McInnes v Her Majesty’s Advocate: SC 10 Feb 2010

Deborah Lawrie-Blum v Land Baden-Wuerttemberg: ECJ 3 Jul 1986

The Equal Treatment Directive is concerned with ‘workers’ which is a term of art in Community law: ‘That concept must be defined in accordance with objective criteria which distinguish the employment relationship by reference to the rights and duties of the persons concerned. The essential feature of an employment relationship, however, is that for a … Continue reading Deborah Lawrie-Blum v Land Baden-Wuerttemberg: ECJ 3 Jul 1986

Hinds and other v The Queen; Director of Public Prosecutions v Jackson, attorney General of Jamaica (Intervenor): PC 1 Dec 1975

The Gun Court Act 1974 of Jamaica established special courts at different levels to deal with varieties of crimes involving guns. There was provision for hearings to be held in camera. Certain offences carried mandatory life sentences reviewable only by a panel appointed by the Governor-General. The appellants each appealed convictions by the courts complaining … Continue reading Hinds and other v The Queen; Director of Public Prosecutions v Jackson, attorney General of Jamaica (Intervenor): PC 1 Dec 1975

O’Brien v Chief Constable of South Wales Police: HL 28 Apr 2005

The claimant sought damages against the police, and wanted to bring in evidence of previous misconduct by the officers on a similar fact basis. They had been imprisoned and held for several years based upon admissions which they said they had obtained by improper pressure. Held: Evidence in civil cases is dealt with in two … Continue reading O’Brien v Chief Constable of South Wales Police: HL 28 Apr 2005

Fort, Regina v: CACD 13 Dec 2013

The defendant had been found guilty of manslaughter by virtue of diminished responsibility. He had been 17, and a technically incorrect sentence of life imprisonment had been passed. There had been conflicting diagnoses of his condition between dissociative and schizoid personality disorders. Held: The sentencing judge had to ask whether he was required to impose … Continue reading Fort, Regina v: CACD 13 Dec 2013

Kelly v Regina: CACD 16 Jun 2011

Questions about the determination of the minimum term to be served following conviction for murder committed with a knife. In short, therefore, the court was required to examine the ambit and impact of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Mandatory Life Sentence: Determination of Minimum Term) (Order) 2010 The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales … Continue reading Kelly v Regina: CACD 16 Jun 2011

Bailey, Regina v: CACD 4 Oct 2013

The defendants, brothers, appealed against their sentences for burglary, saying that the judge had wrongly increased their sentences to reflect their past offences and the likelihood of re-offending. The sentences were in excess of the guideline sentences for the circumstances. Held: The 2003 Act allowed such sentences imposing a duty to pass a sentences treating … Continue reading Bailey, Regina v: CACD 4 Oct 2013

Press and Another v Regina: CACD 24 Oct 2013

Three defendants appealed against their convictions of assault. One defendant argued that the court did not direct the jury as to the effect of intoxication and/or post-traumatic stress disorder upon the issue of intent, and as to whether and to what extent expert evidence of the Thompson’s post-traumatic stress disorder was relevant to their consideration … Continue reading Press and Another v Regina: CACD 24 Oct 2013

Regina v Jones (Margaret), Regina v Milling and others: HL 29 Mar 2006

Domestic Offence requires Domestic Defence Each defendant sought to raise by way of defence of their otherwise criminal actions, the fact that they were attempting to prevent the commission by the government of the crime of waging an aggressive war in Iraq, and that their acts were accordingly justified in law. Held: The law on … Continue reading Regina v Jones (Margaret), Regina v Milling and others: HL 29 Mar 2006

Roberts and Others v Regina: CACD 6 Dec 2018

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

Regina v Connor and another; Regina v Mirza: HL 22 Jan 2004

Extension of Inquiries into Jury Room Activities The defendants sought an enquiry as to events in the jury rooms on their trials. They said that the secrecy of a jury’s deliberations did not fit the human right to a fair trial. In one case, it was said that jurors believed that the defendant’s use of … Continue reading Regina v Connor and another; Regina v Mirza: HL 22 Jan 2004

Regina v S, Regina v Burt, Regina v Parsons, Regina v Carr, Regina v Hargreaves, Regina v Denton, Regina v Taylor, Regina v Coyne, Regina v H: CACD 19 Dec 2005

The court considered appeals from defendants sentenced to extended terms comprising a custodial term with an extension period and a licence thereafter extended for the protection of the public, and when such extended licence began. Held: The Home Office had a practice, but had not disclosed its practice. The understanding reflected in the textbooks appeared … Continue reading Regina v S, Regina v Burt, Regina v Parsons, Regina v Carr, Regina v Hargreaves, Regina v Denton, Regina v Taylor, Regina v Coyne, Regina v H: CACD 19 Dec 2005

Davis, Regina v: CACD 23 May 2008

This appeal concerns the disputed admission, at a trial of the appellant for murder of his long-term partner, effectively his wife, of the evidence of his former girlfriend, Rosie Thorne, concerning their relationship some 20 years or so earlier. In the terms of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, this evidence was admitted as bad character … Continue reading Davis, Regina v: CACD 23 May 2008

Sturnham, Regina (on The Application of) v The Parole Board of England and Wales and Another (No 2): SC 3 Jul 2013

From 4 April 2005 until 3 December 2012, English law provided for the imposition of sentences of imprisonment for public protection (‘IPP’). The Court addressed the practical and legal issues resulting from the new system. Held: The decision as to whether to impose an IPP senence and whether a prisoner was ready for release on … Continue reading Sturnham, Regina (on The Application of) v The Parole Board of England and Wales and Another (No 2): SC 3 Jul 2013

Radu v Germany (Legal Summary): ECHR 16 May 2013

ECHR Article 5-1-aAfter convictionApplicant’s continued placement in psychiatric hospital after expiry of his prison term: no violationFacts – In 1995 the applicant was convicted of homicide and sentenced to eight and a half years’ imprisonment and placement in a psychiatric hospital on grounds of diminished responsibility. In making the order for the applicant’s placement, the … Continue reading Radu v Germany (Legal Summary): ECHR 16 May 2013

Twomey, Cameron And Guthrie v The United Kingdom (Judgment): ECHR 28 May 2013

Ineta Ziemele, P 67318/09 22226/12 – Admissibility Decision, [2013] ECHR 578 Bailii European Convention on Human Rights, Criminal Justice Act 2003 46(3) Human Rights Citing: Legal Summary – Twomey, Cameron and Guthrie v The United Kingdom (Legal Summary) ECHR 28-May-2013 ECHR Criminal proceedingsArticle 6-1Fair hearingEquality of armsIndependent tribunalTrial by judge sitting alone owing to risk … Continue reading Twomey, Cameron And Guthrie v The United Kingdom (Judgment): ECHR 28 May 2013

O’Neill v Her Majesty’s Advocate No 2: SC 13 Jun 2013

The appellants had been convicted of murder, it being said that they had disposed of her body at sea. They now said that the delay between being first questioned and being charged infringed their rights to a trial within a reasonable time, and questioned whether they had has an impartial judge, he having also conducted … Continue reading O’Neill v Her Majesty’s Advocate No 2: SC 13 Jun 2013

Condron v The United Kingdom: ECHR 2 May 2000

A direction to a jury about an accused person’s silence during police questioning was inadequate to protect the right to a fair trial. The applicants had been advised by their solicitor to remain silent during interview because they were withdrawing from heroin. The judge allowed the jury the option of drawing an adverse inference from … Continue reading Condron v The United Kingdom: ECHR 2 May 2000

McGetrick, Regina (on The Application of) v Parole Board and Another: CA 14 Mar 2013

The claimant prisoner appealed against refusal of review of the use of allegations and evidence of offences not tried against him when deciding as to his release on licence. The material would suggest that he might pose a continuing risk to children. Held: The appeal was allowed. The Board members were free not to consider … Continue reading McGetrick, Regina (on The Application of) v Parole Board and Another: CA 14 Mar 2013

Darker v Chief Constable of The West Midlands Police: HL 1 Aug 2000

The plaintiffs had been indicted on counts alleging conspiracy to import drugs and conspiracy to forge traveller’s cheques. During the criminal trial it emerged that there had been such inadequate disclosure by the police that the proceedings were stayed as an abuse of process. The plaintiffs then instituted civil proceedings alleging conspiracy to injure and … Continue reading Darker v Chief Constable of The West Midlands Police: HL 1 Aug 2000

Stott (Procurator Fiscal, Dunfermline) and Another v Brown: PC 5 Dec 2000

The system under which the registered keeper of a vehicle was obliged to identify herself as the driver, and such admission was to be used subsequently as evidence against her on a charge of driving with excess alcohol, was not a breach of her right to a fair trial. The right not to give evidence … Continue reading Stott (Procurator Fiscal, Dunfermline) and Another v Brown: PC 5 Dec 2000

Derbyshire County Council v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: HL 18 Feb 1993

Local Council may not Sue in Defamation Local Authorities must be open to criticism as political and administrative bodies, and so cannot be allowed to sue in defamation. Such a right would operate as ‘a chill factor’ on free speech. Freedom of speech was the underlying value which supported the decision to lay down the … Continue reading Derbyshire County Council v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: HL 18 Feb 1993

St Albans Girls School and Another v Neary: CA 12 Nov 2009

The claimant’s case had been struck out after non-compliance with an order to file further particulars. His appeal was allowed by the EAT, and the School now itself appealed, saying that the employment judge had wrongly had felt obliged to have regard to the Civil Procedure Rules on striking cases out. Held: The school’s appeal … Continue reading St Albans Girls School and Another v Neary: CA 12 Nov 2009

Norris v Government of United States of America: SC 24 Feb 2010

The defendant faced extradition to the USA on charges of the obstruction of justice. He challenged the extradition on the basis that it would interfere with his article 8 rights to family life, given that the offence was merely ancillary, the result would be disproportionate. The court was asked whether in order to found such … Continue reading Norris v Government of United States of America: SC 24 Feb 2010

Horncastle and Others, Regina v: SC 9 Dec 2009

Each defendant said they had not received a fair trial in that the court had admitted written evidence of a witness he had not been allowed to challenge. The witnesses had been victims, two of whom had died before trial. It was suggested that the court must implement the ECHR decision in Al-Khawaja. Held: The … Continue reading Horncastle and Others, Regina v: SC 9 Dec 2009

Noone, Regina (on The Application of) v Governor of HMP Drake Hall and Another: SC 30 Jun 2010

The prisoner had been sentenced to consecutive terms of imprisonment, one for less, and one for more than 12 months. She disputed the date on which she should be released to home detention under curfew under the Guidance issued by the Secretary of State explaining how the release date should be calculated where longest sentence … Continue reading Noone, Regina (on The Application of) v Governor of HMP Drake Hall and Another: SC 30 Jun 2010

Regina v Kansal (2): HL 29 Nov 2001

The prosecutor had lead and relied at trial on evidence obtained by compulsory questioning under the 1986 Act. Held: In doing so the prosecutor was acting to give effect to section 433. The decision in Lambert to disallow retrospective effect of Human Rights decisions in appeal cases may have been incorrect, but will be followed. … Continue reading Regina v Kansal (2): HL 29 Nov 2001

Goldsmith v Sperrings Ltd: CA 1977

Claims for Collateral Purpose treated as abuse The plaintiff commenced proceedings for damages for libel and an injunction against the publishers, the editors and the main distributors of Private Eye. In addition, he issued writs against a large number of other wholesale and retail distributors of the paper for the same relief. Some of the … Continue reading Goldsmith v Sperrings Ltd: CA 1977

Miller v Regina: CACD 26 May 2010

The defendant appealed against his conviction for possessing drugs with intent to supply. He said that the court should not have allowed the cross-examination of a defence witness as to that witness’ bad character. The witness was on remand facing similar charges. The prosecution suggested that his circumstances provided a reason to take responsibility for … Continue reading Miller v Regina: CACD 26 May 2010

Ashley and Another v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: HL 23 Apr 2008

The claimants sought to bring an action for damages after a family member suspected of dealing drugs, was shot by the police. At the time he was naked. The police officer had been acquitted by a criminal court of murder. The chief constable now appealed a finding that he might nevertheless be liable in a … Continue reading Ashley and Another v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: HL 23 Apr 2008

Regina v Horseferry Road Magistrates’ Court, ex Parte Bennett (No 1): HL 24 Jun 1993

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

Gadd, Regina v: QBD 10 Oct 2014

The prosecutor sought leave to bring a voluntary bill of indictment, to pursue historic sex abuse allegations against the defendant. The defendant objected to counts founded on facts which were the substance of a charge of indecent assault considered at an old style committal hearing when a Stipendiary Magistrate had ordered a stay of the … Continue reading Gadd, Regina v: QBD 10 Oct 2014

Millar v Dickson: PC 24 Jul 2001

The Board was asked whether the appellants had waived their right to an independent and impartial tribunal under article 6 of the Convention by appearing before the temporary sheriffs without objecting to their hearing their cases on the ground that they did not meet this requirement. Held: A trial before a temporary Sheriff was not … Continue reading Millar v Dickson: PC 24 Jul 2001

Phipps v The Director of Public Prosecutions and Another: PC 27 Jun 2012

phipps_dppPC2012 (Jamaica) The defendant appealed against his conviction for murder. He complained that he had been prejudiced because the jury were told that he had been produced from custody, and one of his witnesses was produced in court in chains, thus undermining their evidence. The court of appeal had accepted that the latter had been … Continue reading Phipps v The Director of Public Prosecutions and Another: PC 27 Jun 2012

Seaton v Regina: CACD 13 Aug 2010

The defendant had been accused of recent fabrication of evidence, having given evidence in court which varied from that given in interview on arrest. The crown had commented on his failure to call his solicitor to give evidence. The defendant said this amounted to an infringement of legal professional privilege. Held: Wilmot was not authority … Continue reading Seaton v Regina: CACD 13 Aug 2010

CJ v Flintshire Borough Council: CA 15 Apr 2010

The applicant appealed against a refusal to allow his early release from prison having been sentenced to 21 months for contempts of court. Held: The appeal failed. The court set out eight questions which might be asked before allowing such a release. The judge here had had the benefit of listening to the contemnor, and … Continue reading CJ v Flintshire Borough Council: CA 15 Apr 2010

Regina v Parole Board ex parte Smith, Regina v Parole Board ex parte West (Conjoined Appeals): HL 27 Jan 2005

Each defendant challenged the way he had been treated on revocation of his parole licence, saying he should have been given the opportunity to make oral representations. Held: The prisoners’ appeals were allowed. Lord Bingham stated: ‘While an oral hearing is most obviously necessary to achieve a just decision in a case where facts are … Continue reading Regina v Parole Board ex parte Smith, Regina v Parole Board ex parte West (Conjoined Appeals): HL 27 Jan 2005

Connelly v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 1964

Plea of Autrefois Acquit is Narrow in Scope The defendant had been tried for and acquitted of murder. The prosecution then sought to have him tried for robbery out of the same alleged facts. The House considered his plea of autrefois convict. Held: The majority identified a narrow principle of autrefois, applicable only where the … Continue reading Connelly v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 1964

Regina v Twist and Others: CACD 12 May 2011

The court considered the application of the 2003 Act to communications made to, or by, the defendant, and in particular text messages sent by mobile telephone. Held: The four appeals against conviction were dismissed. Singh established that the common law rules on hearsay had been abolished by the 2003 Act. The court set out its … Continue reading Regina v Twist and Others: CACD 12 May 2011

Clift, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 13 Dec 2006

The claimants were former serving prisoners who complained that the early release provisions discriminated against them unjustifiably. Each was subject to a deportation requirement, and said that in their cases the control on the time for their early release had been vested in the respondent and not in the courts. Held: It could no longer … Continue reading Clift, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 13 Dec 2006

H M Customs and Excise and Another v MCA and Another; A v A; Re MCA: CA 22 Jul 2002

The husband and wife divorced and a property adjustment order applied for. The husband had been convicted and a drugs proceeds order made under the 1994 Act. The order had not been satisfied, and the receiver applied for money from the matrimonial property. Held: The two Acts gave no indication that either was to take … Continue reading H M Customs and Excise and Another v MCA and Another; A v A; Re MCA: CA 22 Jul 2002

Hutchinson v The United Kingdom: ECHR 3 Feb 2015

hutchinson_UKECHR201502 Article 3 Degrading punishment Inhuman punishment Continued detention under whole life order following clarification of Secretary of State’s powers to order release: no violation Facts – Following his conviction in September 1984 of aggravated burglary, rape and three counts of murder, the applicant was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommended minimum tariff of … Continue reading Hutchinson v The United Kingdom: ECHR 3 Feb 2015

Thorsby and Others v Regina: CACD 20 Jan 2015

These several applications raised a single ground of appeal namely that the sentencing court failed to give credit under section 240A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, as amended, for one half of the time spent by the offender on qualifying curfew before sentence. This was asked in a context where there had been delay … Continue reading Thorsby and Others v Regina: CACD 20 Jan 2015

Chahal v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 24 Feb 2010

The defendant appealed against his conviction for possession of a bladed article. He had used the knife at work and forgotten to leave it at work and had it in his pocket by accident. Held: The appeal succeeded. The defendant had been accepted as a truthful witness, and ‘In my judgment that is a broad … Continue reading Chahal v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 24 Feb 2010

Al-Khawaja v The United Kingdom; Tahery v The United Kingdom: ECHR 20 Jan 2009

Each complainant said that in allowing hearsay evidence to be used against them at their trials, their article 6 human rights had been infringed. In the first case the complainant had died before trial but her statement was admitted. Held: In each case, applying Luca, the trials infringed the right to a fair trial since … Continue reading Al-Khawaja v The United Kingdom; Tahery v The United Kingdom: ECHR 20 Jan 2009

O’Dowd (Boy George) v National Probation Service London: Admn 23 Dec 2009

Refusal of curfew relaxation was reasonable The claimant had been released from prison early on licence subject to conditions including a home detention curfew. He was offered a place on a TV programme, Celebrity Big Brother, which would require relaxation or alteration of his place of residence and work restrictions. The respondent had refused consent … Continue reading O’Dowd (Boy George) v National Probation Service London: Admn 23 Dec 2009

V v The United Kingdom; T v The United Kingdom: ECHR 16 Dec 1999

The claimant challenged to the power of the Secretary of State to set a tariff where the sentence was imposed pursuant to section 53(1). The setting of the tariff was found to be a sentencing exercise which failed to comply with Article 6(1) of the European Convention in that the decision maker was the Secretary … Continue reading V v The United Kingdom; T v The United Kingdom: ECHR 16 Dec 1999

Saunders v The United Kingdom: ECHR 17 Dec 1996

(Grand Chamber) The subsequent use against a defendant in a prosecution, of evidence which had been obtained under compulsion in company insolvency procedures was a convention breach of Art 6. Although not specifically mentioned in Article 6 of the Convention the right to silence and the right not to incriminate oneself are generally recognised international … Continue reading Saunders v The United Kingdom: ECHR 17 Dec 1996

Phillips v Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd and Others: ChD 17 Nov 2010

The claimant had been assistant to a well known publicist. The defendant had settled an action brought by her principal for hacking his mobile telephone, in the course of which it appeared that the claimant’s phone had also been hacked. She now sought disclosure of documents from the defendants, including from the police investigation. Other … Continue reading Phillips v Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd and Others: ChD 17 Nov 2010

Norfolk County Council v Webster and others: FD 1 Nov 2006

The claimants wished to claim that they were victims of a miscarriage of justice in the way the Council had dealt with care proceedings. They sought that the proceedings should be reported without the children being identified. Held: A judge must adopt the same ‘parallel analysis’ leading to the same ‘ultimate balancing test’, as described … Continue reading Norfolk County Council v Webster and others: FD 1 Nov 2006

Pretty v The United Kingdom: ECHR 29 Apr 2002

Right to Life Did Not include Right to Death The applicant was paralysed and suffered a degenerative condition. She wanted her husband to be allowed to assist her suicide by accompanying her to Switzerland. English law would not excuse such behaviour. She argued that the right to die is not the antithesis of the right … Continue reading Pretty v The United Kingdom: ECHR 29 Apr 2002

Cadder v Her Majesty’s Advocate: SC 26 Oct 2010

Statement without lawyer access was inadmissible The accused complained that he had been convicted for assault and breach of the peace on the basis of a statement made by him during an interview with the police where, under the 1995 Act, he had been denied access to a lawyer. Held: The section must be read … Continue reading Cadder v Her Majesty’s Advocate: SC 26 Oct 2010

Adorian v The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: CA 23 Jan 2009

The claimant received injuries when arrested. He was later convicted of resisting arrest. The defendant relied on section 329 of the 2003 Act. The claimant said that the force used against him was grossly disproportionate. The commissioner appealed against a refusal to strike out the claim, saying that consent to the action should have been … Continue reading Adorian v The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: CA 23 Jan 2009

Halsey v Milton Keynes General NHS Trust etc: CA 11 May 2004

The court considered the effect on costs orders of a refusal to take part in alternate dispute resolution procedures. The defendant Trust had refused to take the dispute to a mediation. In neither case had the court ordered or recommended ADR. Held: If the parties (or at least one of them) remain intransigently opposed to … Continue reading Halsey v Milton Keynes General NHS Trust etc: CA 11 May 2004