Ward, R (On the Application Of) v The Crown Prosecution Service

Ward, R (On the Application Of) v The Crown Prosecution Service

The court found the charge was amended in the claimant’s presence to 'assault by beating', making the case clear. Even if not, 'common assault' would have incorporated 'battery', and there was no evidence of prejudice or unfairness to the claimant. The ground of challenge was unarguable.

Parties
Claimant: Craig Ward; Defendant: Black Country Magistrates’ Court; Interested Party: Crown Prosecution Service
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
19 March 2020
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review / Renewed Application for Permission to Proceed With Claim
Outcome
Renewed application for permission refused
Legal Topics
Common Assault, Assault by Beating, Procedural Fairness, Article 6 ECHR, Amendment of Charge

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Parties

Craig Ward

Claimant

Black Country Magistrates’ Court

Defendant

Crown Prosecution Service

Interested Party

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review / Renewed Application for Permission to Proceed With Claim

  1. 1 Whether the claimant was convicted of an offence for which he was not charged or not made aware of the particulars
  2. 2 Whether the procedure was unfair and breached natural justice or Article 6 ECHR

Ratio Decidendi

The court found the charge was amended in the claimant’s presence to 'assault by beating', making the case clear. Even if not, 'common assault' would have incorporated 'battery', and there was no evidence of prejudice or unfairness to the claimant. The ground of challenge was unarguable.

Court Disposition

Renewed application for permission refused