Meyer, R. v

Meyer, R. v

The judge's direction that previous convictions for violence were relevant to credibility constituted a material misdirection on a core issue, undermining the safety of the conviction. The convictions were properly admitted for self-defence, but the credibility direction was inappropriate and unsafe.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Respondent: Regina; Appellant: Colin Daniel Meyer
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
31 March 2006
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
conviction quashed; retrial ordered
Legal Topics
Bad Character Evidence, Jury Directions, Self Defence, Credibility, Propensity, Misdirection
Criminal Law Bad Character Evidence Jury Directions Self Defence Credibility Propensity Misdirection

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Regina

Respondent

Colin Daniel Meyer

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the judge misdirected the jury regarding the relevance of the appellant's previous convictions to credibility and self-defence
  2. 2 Whether the directions on bad character evidence were vague and unhelpful

Ratio Decidendi

The judge's direction that previous convictions for violence were relevant to credibility constituted a material misdirection on a core issue, undermining the safety of the conviction. The convictions were properly admitted for self-defence, but the credibility direction was inappropriate and unsafe.

Court Disposition

conviction quashed; retrial ordered

Orders

  • Conviction for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm quashed
  • Fresh indictment to be preferred within two months