Armstrong, R (on the application of) v Crown Prosecution Service

Armstrong, R (on the application of) v Crown Prosecution Service

The court held that, in light of the authorities and the positive duty on the court, enquiries should have been made at other London courts before extending custody time limits; failure to do so meant the extension was not properly granted.

Parties
Claimant: Leonard Armstrong; Defendant: Crown Prosecution Service
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 August 2004
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review / Permission Application and Substantive Hearing
Outcome
Application granted; matter remitted to Crown Court
Legal Topics
Custody Time Limits, Extension of Time, Listing of Cases, Judicial Duty

Case Brief

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Parties

Leonard Armstrong

Claimant

Crown Prosecution Service

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review / Permission Application and Substantive Hearing

  1. 1 Whether the Crown Court erred in extending custody time limits without making enquiries at other courts for earlier trial dates
  2. 2 Whether there is a positive duty on the court to ensure all reasonable steps are taken before extending custody time limits

Ratio Decidendi

The court held that, in light of the authorities and the positive duty on the court, enquiries should have been made at other London courts before extending custody time limits; failure to do so meant the extension was not properly granted.

Court Disposition

Application granted; matter remitted to Crown Court

Orders

  • The question of extension of custody time limits is to be reconsidered by the Crown Court at the next mention date.
  • Legal Aid certificate to be submitted within 10 days if required.