Reynolds, R v

Reynolds, R v

Fresh medical evidence of Asperger's Syndrome constitutes credible evidence that could have led to a manslaughter verdict at trial, rendering the murder conviction unsafe and requiring substitution of a manslaughter conviction.

Parties
Appellant: Gary Reynolds; Respondent: Regina
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
08 July 2004
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal After Reference by Criminal Cases Review Commission
Outcome
murder conviction quashed; manslaughter conviction substituted; life imprisonment imposed; appropriate determinate sentence would have been 12 years with parole consideration after 6 years
Legal Topics
Murder, Manslaughter, Diminished Responsibility, Fresh Evidence, Mental Disorder
Criminal Law Murder Manslaughter Diminished Responsibility Fresh Evidence Mental Disorder

Case Brief

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Parties

Gary Reynolds

Appellant

Regina

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal After Reference by Criminal Cases Review Commission

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether fresh medical evidence of Asperger's Syndrome renders the murder conviction unsafe
  2. 2 Whether diminished responsibility should have been considered at trial

Ratio Decidendi

Fresh medical evidence of Asperger's Syndrome constitutes credible evidence that could have led to a manslaughter verdict at trial, rendering the murder conviction unsafe and requiring substitution of a manslaughter conviction.

Court Disposition

murder conviction quashed; manslaughter conviction substituted; life imprisonment imposed; appropriate determinate sentence would have been 12 years with parole consideration after 6 years

Orders

  • Reports to be collated and made available to prison authorities
  • Dr Staufenberg may submit further views in writing for consideration by agencies