Welcome to the April edition of our Criminal Appeals Bulletin.

The Bulletin aims to highlight recent changes in case law and procedure, and to provide practical guidance to those advising on appellate matters. Where possible we have hyperlinked the authorities in the articles to the full judgements on BAILLI or HUDOC.  If you have not received earlier editions, you can access the most recent two by clicking here (November 2016) and here.

In this edition Francis FitzGibbon QC considers the Court of Appeal’s approach to the definition of “substantial injustice” in the wake of Jogee [2016], and Rebecca Trowler QC looks at the discriminatory effect of extended sentences.

This issue also sees the start of our monthly summary of cases relating to appellate issues. We have selected cases that illustrate when an appellate court is likely to interfere with conviction or sentence, and procedural matters.  And in a new development for our clients in Northern Ireland, we are also now including a dedicated section for cases heard in Belfast.

As ever we would be pleased to assist you and your clients on any issues surrounding criminal appeals.  Please feel free to e-mail us or to call our crime team on 020 7400 9088. We also offer our instructing solicitors a free Advice Line, where they can discuss initial ideas about possible appeals, at no cost to them or their client.  More information on our services can be found on our website.

As ever we take your privacy seriously - if you wish to unsubscribe please use the link at the bottom of this e-mail.  We never share your details with other organisations.

We hope that the articles are of interest to you.  And we would very much like to hear your feedback on the bulletin - do please call or e-mail.   

Paul Taylor

Head of the DSC Criminal Appeals Unit