Howell, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1861 (05 November 2025)
The proposed grounds of appeal are unarguable as all issues were fully explored at trial, the judge's directions were fair, and the evidence supported the conviction; therefore, permission to appeal is refused.
- Citation
- [2025] EWCA Crim 1861
- Parties
- Prosecution: Rex; Applicant: Dirk Howell
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 05 November 2025
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Permission to Appeal
- Outcome
- permission to appeal refused
- Legal Topics
- Murder, Child Cruelty, Appeal Procedure, Admissibility of Evidence, Jury Directions
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Rex
Prosecution
Dirk Howell
Applicant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Permission to Appeal
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the conviction for murder was safe given the unascertained cause of death
- 2 Whether the jury speculated unlawfully in the absence of a clear cause of death
- 3 Whether there was an unjustified disparity between the verdicts for the applicant and his partner
Ratio Decidendi
The proposed grounds of appeal are unarguable as all issues were fully explored at trial, the judge's directions were fair, and the evidence supported the conviction; therefore, permission to appeal is refused.
Court Disposition
permission to appeal refused
Orders
- application for permission to appeal is refused
Full Case Text
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