Kyei, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1497 (31 October 2025)

Kyei, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1497 (31 October 2025)

There was no sufficient evidence that the jury forewoman disclosed deliberation details or was improperly influenced by her partner's social media activity. All other jurors confirmed their independence and the integrity of the process. The investigation and disclosure were adequate. The convictions are safe.

Citation
[2025] EWCA Crim 1497
Parties
Respondent: Rex; Applicant: Christopher Kyei; Applicant: Courtney Ellis
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
31 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Application for Leave to Appeal Against Conviction
Outcome
Applications for leave to appeal against conviction refused
Legal Topics
Jury Irregularity, Appeal Against Conviction, Perverting the Course of Justice, Murder, Attempted Murder, Jury Deliberations, Social Media and Jury, Disclosure Obligations
Criminal Law Jury Irregularity Appeal Against Conviction Perverting the Course of Justice Murder Attempted Murder Jury Deliberations Social Media and Jury +1 more

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Parties

Rex

Respondent

Christopher Kyei

Applicant

Courtney Ellis

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Application for Leave to Appeal Against Conviction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether alleged jury irregularity (communication between jury forewoman and her partner, and partner's social media posts) rendered the convictions unsafe
  2. 2 Whether the trial judge erred in not discharging the jury
  3. 3 Whether the police investigation and disclosure were adequate

Ratio Decidendi

There was no sufficient evidence that the jury forewoman disclosed deliberation details or was improperly influenced by her partner's social media activity. All other jurors confirmed their independence and the integrity of the process. The investigation and disclosure were adequate. The convictions are safe.

Court Disposition

Applications for leave to appeal against conviction refused