R v Alice Wood

R v Alice Wood

The trial judge was entitled to permit re-examination of PC Thompson on PRT as it arose from cross-examination and did not usurp the jury's function; the evidence was sufficient to leave the count of murder to the jury; trial counsel's tactical decision not to adduce evidence of the deceased's mental health was within reasonable professional judgment and did not render the conviction unsafe; the minimum term imposed was not wrong in principle or manifestly excessive, with aggravating and mitigating features properly balanced.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Applicant: Alice Wood
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence
Outcome
renewed application for leave to appeal against conviction and sentence refused
Legal Topics
Murder, Intent, Expert Evidence, Perception Response Time, Admissibility of Evidence, Sentencing, Bad Character Evidence, Fresh Evidence
Criminal Law Murder Intent Expert Evidence Perception Response Time Admissibility of Evidence Sentencing Bad Character Evidence +1 more

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Alice Wood

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge erred in permitting re-examination of PC Thompson on perception response time (PRT)
  2. 2 Whether the judge erred in rejecting a submission of no case to answer
  3. 3 Whether trial counsel's tactical decision not to adduce evidence of the deceased's mental health and alleged propensity to jump in front of vehicles rendered the conviction unsafe

Ratio Decidendi

The trial judge was entitled to permit re-examination of PC Thompson on PRT as it arose from cross-examination and did not usurp the jury's function; the evidence was sufficient to leave the count of murder to the jury; trial counsel's tactical decision not to adduce evidence of the deceased's mental health was within reasonable professional judgment and did not render the conviction unsafe; the minimum term imposed was not wrong in principle or manifestly excessive, with aggravating and mitigating features properly balanced.

Court Disposition

renewed application for leave to appeal against conviction and sentence refused

Orders

  • Extension of time granted for application due to short delay and applicant not being responsible.
  • Recording of sentence to be consistent with guidance: life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years and 114 days (18 years less 616 days on remand).