BJS, R. v [2024] EWCA Crim 1356 (29 October 2024)

BJS, R. v [2024] EWCA Crim 1356 (29 October 2024)

The trial judge did not err in law or principle in giving a Watson direction after the jury had deliberated for a significant period post-majority direction and requested guidance. The judge acted within his discretion, followed the correct legal framework, and did not place undue pressure on the jury. There was no basis to find the convictions unsafe.

Citation
[2024] EWCA Crim 1356
Parties
Appellant: BJS; Respondent: Rex
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Jury Directions, Watson Direction, Rape, Sexual Offences, Unsafe Conviction, Judicial Discretion
Criminal Law Jury Directions Watson Direction Rape Sexual Offences Unsafe Conviction Judicial Discretion

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 13 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

BJS

Appellant

Rex

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the convictions are unsafe due to the trial judge's decision to give a Watson direction to the jury.

Ratio Decidendi

The trial judge did not err in law or principle in giving a Watson direction after the jury had deliberated for a significant period post-majority direction and requested guidance. The judge acted within his discretion, followed the correct legal framework, and did not place undue pressure on the jury. There was no basis to find the convictions unsafe.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Convictions upheld.