REGINA v BQC

REGINA v BQC

The combination of flawed oral directions on cross-admissibility, good/bad character, and hearsay evidence, exacerbated by the absence of written directions, undermined the safety of the convictions and necessitated quashing them.

Parties
Respondent: Regina; Appellant: BQC
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 December 2021
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction
Outcome
Appeal allowed; convictions quashed
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences, Evidence, Jury Directions, Bad Character Evidence, Hearsay, Good Character, Cross Admissibility
Criminal Law Sexual Offences Evidence Jury Directions Bad Character Evidence Hearsay Good Character Cross Admissibility

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 12 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Regina

Respondent

BQC

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the judge's failure to provide written directions rendered the convictions unsafe
  2. 2 Whether there were misdirections on cross-admissibility, hearsay, good character, and bad character evidence
  3. 3 Whether hearsay evidence was wrongly admitted

Ratio Decidendi

The combination of flawed oral directions on cross-admissibility, good/bad character, and hearsay evidence, exacerbated by the absence of written directions, undermined the safety of the convictions and necessitated quashing them.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; convictions quashed

Orders

  • Convictions quashed on all counts
  • Retrial ordered