The defendant had pleaded guilty to a supply of cannabis. He asserted one factual basis, but before the Newton hearing, the judge heard an ex parte application in relation to another matter. The evidence provided to the judge in camera suggested further involvement, and, according to the defendant, poisoned his mind as to the Newton hearing. He appealed the sentence of 9 years imprisonment.
Held: No allegation of bias was properly made out against the judge. The appeal was a hopeless attempt at extension of the rules against bias. Appeal dismissed.
Citations:
[1996] EWCA Crim 1203
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Crime
Updated: 11 September 2022; Ref: scu.148867