Law and Rights
Appeals by Twomey, Blake, Hibberd and Cameron have been dismissed by the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) - judgment here. In 2004 they were involved in a robbery at Heathrow Airport - (see the previous post on Law and Lawyers) - and on 31st March 2010 they were convicted by a High Court Judge sitting without a jury. This form of trial is permissible in limited circumstances under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 s.44. Earlier trials had been abandoned due to jury tampering. The Lord Chief Justice remarked that when criminals subvert or attempt to subvert the process of trial by jury they have no justified complaint if they are deprived of it.
- The Jury
At Southwark Crown Court, the jury in the Vicky Pryce case was discharged since it was unable to reach a verdict despite the trial judge (Mr Justice Sweeney) being prepared to accept a majority verdict- (The Guardian 20th February). A retrial...
- Dizaei Loses Appeal Against Conviction At Second Trial
The case of R v Dizaei was considered on this blog on 29th June 2010 and 13th February 2012. In February 2010, Ali Dizaei (who held the rank of Commander in the Metropolitan Police) was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for offences of misconduct...
- Achieving Best Evidence - Transcripts
Crown Court - Snaresbrook In a criminal trial, certain witnesses may be allowed to have their evidence-in-chief presented in video recorded form. When this is done, it may take the form of recordings of interviews prepared in accordance with "Achieving...
- Non Jury Trial In The Crown Court - Should Be A Last Resort
Two Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) judgments have been handed down which ought to make it clear that NON-jury trials in the Crown Court will be only ordered exceptionally. This is very good news for those who, like myself, believe in the value...
- Man On Trial For 2004 Armed Robbery Has Absconded
Peter Blake, a man on trial before Mr Justice Treacey, has absconded. He is one of 4 men standing trial together before a judge alone. The alleged offences date back to a robbery at Heathrow Airport in February 2004. See The Independent...
Law and Rights
Appeals following Judge only trial and convictions are dismissed
- The Jury
At Southwark Crown Court, the jury in the Vicky Pryce case was discharged since it was unable to reach a verdict despite the trial judge (Mr Justice Sweeney) being prepared to accept a majority verdict- (The Guardian 20th February). A retrial...
- Dizaei Loses Appeal Against Conviction At Second Trial
The case of R v Dizaei was considered on this blog on 29th June 2010 and 13th February 2012. In February 2010, Ali Dizaei (who held the rank of Commander in the Metropolitan Police) was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for offences of misconduct...
- Achieving Best Evidence - Transcripts
Crown Court - Snaresbrook In a criminal trial, certain witnesses may be allowed to have their evidence-in-chief presented in video recorded form. When this is done, it may take the form of recordings of interviews prepared in accordance with "Achieving...
- Non Jury Trial In The Crown Court - Should Be A Last Resort
Two Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) judgments have been handed down which ought to make it clear that NON-jury trials in the Crown Court will be only ordered exceptionally. This is very good news for those who, like myself, believe in the value...
- Man On Trial For 2004 Armed Robbery Has Absconded
Peter Blake, a man on trial before Mr Justice Treacey, has absconded. He is one of 4 men standing trial together before a judge alone. The alleged offences date back to a robbery at Heathrow Airport in February 2004. See The Independent...