Blackman, R. v

Blackman, R. v

Fresh psychiatric evidence established that the appellant suffered from an adjustment disorder at the time of the killing, which substantially impaired his ability to form rational judgment and exercise self-control, providing an explanation for the killing. The conviction for murder was unsafe and should be quashed; a verdict of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility was substituted.

Parties
Respondent: Regina; Appellant: Alexander Wayne Blackman
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
15 March 2017
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal From Court Martial, Post CCRC Reference
Outcome
Conviction for murder quashed; verdict of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility substituted.
Legal Topics
Diminished Responsibility, Manslaughter, Court Martial Procedure, Mental Health in Criminal Proceedings
Criminal Law Military Law Diminished Responsibility Manslaughter Court Martial Procedure Mental Health in Criminal Proceedings

Case Brief

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Parties

Regina

Respondent

Alexander Wayne Blackman

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal From Court Martial, Post CCRC Reference

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether fresh psychiatric evidence establishes the partial defence of diminished responsibility
  2. 2 Whether the conviction for murder is unsafe due to substantial impairment of mental responsibility
  3. 3 Whether a verdict of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility should be substituted

Ratio Decidendi

Fresh psychiatric evidence established that the appellant suffered from an adjustment disorder at the time of the killing, which substantially impaired his ability to form rational judgment and exercise self-control, providing an explanation for the killing. The conviction for murder was unsafe and should be quashed; a verdict of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility was substituted.

Court Disposition

Conviction for murder quashed; verdict of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility substituted.

Orders

  • Conviction for murder quashed
  • Verdict of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility substituted