BNN, R. v [2024] EWCA Crim 991 (22 August 2024)

BNN, R. v [2024] EWCA Crim 991 (22 August 2024)

The applicant's guilty plea was clear and deliberate, not equivocal or vitiated by improper pressure; although the CPS failed to follow its own guidance, the decision to prosecute was reasonable in the circumstances, and the conviction is safe.

Citation
[2024] EWCA Crim 991
Parties
Respondent: Rex; Applicant: BNN
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
22 August 2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction; Application for Extension of Time
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; conviction upheld.
Legal Topics
Abuse of Process, Guilty Plea, Modern Slavery Act 2015, Victim of Trafficking, Section 45 Defence, CPS Guidance, Public Interest Test

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Parties

Rex

Respondent

BNN

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction; Application for Extension of Time

  1. 1 Whether the applicant's guilty plea was equivocal or entered under improper pressure
  2. 2 Whether the CPS failed to follow its own guidance regarding prosecution of a victim of trafficking
  3. 3 Whether the conviction is unsafe due to abuse of process

Ratio Decidendi

The applicant's guilty plea was clear and deliberate, not equivocal or vitiated by improper pressure; although the CPS failed to follow its own guidance, the decision to prosecute was reasonable in the circumstances, and the conviction is safe.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; conviction upheld.

Orders

  • Anonymity order pursuant to section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981; no publication of applicant's name.