R v Williams [2013] EWCA Crim 2749 (13 December 2013)

R v Williams [2013] EWCA Crim 2749 (13 December 2013)

The fresh psychiatric evidence establishes that the appellant suffered from Alcohol Dependency Syndrome amounting to an abnormality of mind, and there is sufficient doubt as to whether this substantially impaired his mental responsibility at the time of the killing. This new evidence renders the conviction for...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2013] EWCA Crim 2749
Parties
Respondent: Regina; Appellant: Dean Williams
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 December 2013
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal (reference by Criminal Cases Review Commission) / Appeal Against Conviction; Application for Retrial
Outcome
appeal allowed; conviction quashed; retrial ordered
Legal Topics
Murder, Diminished Responsibility, Fresh Evidence, Alcohol Dependency Syndrome, Appeal Procedure
Criminal Law Murder Diminished Responsibility Fresh Evidence Alcohol Dependency Syndrome Appeal Procedure

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Parties

Regina

Respondent

Dean Williams

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal (reference by Criminal Cases Review Commission) / Appeal Against Conviction; Application for Retrial

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether fresh psychiatric evidence supports a defence of diminished responsibility under section 2(1) Homicide Act 1957
  2. 2 Whether the conviction for murder is unsafe in light of new evidence
  3. 3 Whether a retrial should be ordered

Ratio Decidendi

The fresh psychiatric evidence establishes that the appellant suffered from Alcohol Dependency Syndrome amounting to an abnormality of mind, and there is sufficient doubt as to whether this substantially impaired his mental responsibility at the time of the killing. This new evidence renders the conviction for murder unsafe and necessitates a retrial.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed; conviction quashed; retrial ordered

Orders

  • Appeal against conviction allowed
  • Conviction for murder quashed