Sousa, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 585 (21 April 2026)
The judge's interventions during cross-examination were proper and did not prevent the defence from advancing its case or create unfair prejudice. The summing-up and directions to the jury were fair and clear. There was no impropriety or unfairness in the conduct of the trial. The conviction is safe and the appeal is dismissed.
- Citation
- [2026] EWCA Crim 585
- Parties
- Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Anthony Jesus Sousa
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 21 April 2026
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction
- Outcome
- appeal dismissed
- Legal Topics
- Perverting the Course of Justice, Judicial Intervention, Fair Trial, Jury Directions
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Rex
Prosecution
Anthony Jesus Sousa
Appellant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the trial judge intervened improperly during cross-examination, resulting in an unfair trial
- 2 Whether the judge's summing-up and directions to the jury were biased or contradictory
Ratio Decidendi
The judge's interventions during cross-examination were proper and did not prevent the defence from advancing its case or create unfair prejudice. The summing-up and directions to the jury were fair and clear. There was no impropriety or unfairness in the conduct of the trial. The conviction is safe and the appeal is dismissed.
Court Disposition
appeal dismissed
Orders
- Appeal against conviction dismissed
Full Case Text
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