Where a magistrate becomes aware or might have become aware of an accused’s record before verdict, there had been a material irregularity and the conviction could not stand. Justice must be seen to be done, and any perception of improper bias must be avoided.
Citations:
[1988] 152 JP
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Cited by:
Cited – Murchison v Southend Magistrates’ Court Admn 24-Jan-2006
The defendant faced an accusation of having slapped a child in the street. The child’s carer had called the police to say that she thought the complaint a practical joke. The defendant did not give evidence. The magistrates retired and came back to . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Magistrates
Updated: 04 May 2022; Ref: scu.241310