R v Andrew James Clarke & Anor

The hearing of the applications for leave to appeal must be delayed until relevant parts of the undercover policing inquiry are concluded, as the inquiry's findings may affect the grounds of appeal.

Parties: Applicant: Andrew James Clarke; Applicant: Geoffrey Brian Sheppard; Respondent: Crown
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 29 April 2025
Procedural Posture: Criminal Appeal / Directions Hearing
Outcome: directions issued
Legal Topics: Arson, Undercover Policing, Extension of Time, Animal Liberation Front

Criminal Law Appeals Arson Undercover Policing Extension of Time Animal Liberation Front

Case Brief

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Parties

Andrew James Clarke

Applicant

Geoffrey Brian Sheppard

Applicant

Crown

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Directions Hearing

Legal Issues

1 Whether to grant extensions of time for leave to appeal against convictions based on alleged conduct of undercover police officers
2 Whether applications should be delayed pending developments in the undercover policing inquiry

Ratio Decidendi

The hearing of the applications for leave to appeal must be delayed until relevant parts of the undercover policing inquiry are concluded, as the inquiry's findings may affect the grounds of appeal.

Court Disposition

directions issued

Orders

All parties must promptly report any further information regarding the Inquiry timetable to each other and the court.
A further directions hearing to be listed after 2 March 2026.