Regina v Murphy: CACD 18 Jun 2002

The defendant appealed a conviction for possession of drugs. Having found himself in possession of some cannabis, he had dug a hole in the ground and buried it. He appealed an order from the judge that he was not entitled to rely on the defence of having destroyed it.
Held: The judge was correct. It was not enough that natural forces might destroy the drugs where he had put them. ‘Destruction’ within the section required something rather more final.

Judges:

Lord Justice Longmore, Mr Justice Wright and Judge Hyam

Citations:

Times 08-Jul-2002, Gazette 08-Aug-2002

Statutes:

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 5(4)(a)

Jurisdiction:

England and Wales

Crime

Updated: 16 August 2022; Ref: scu.174252