Howitt, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 919 (17 June 2025)

The trial judge's directions adequately addressed the applicant's age and characteristics, and the jury was properly instructed on self-defence and intention; the grounds of appeal are unarguable and R v ZA is not relevant to the complaint.

Citation: [2025] EWCA Crim 919
Parties: Prosecution: R; Applicant: Kai Howitt
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 17 June 2025
Procedural Posture: Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Conviction
Outcome: application for leave to appeal against conviction refused; application for extension of time refused
Legal Topics: Murder, Self Defence, Jury Directions, Youth Defendants, Extension of Time

Criminal Law Murder Self Defence Jury Directions Youth Defendants Extension of Time

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1

Parties

Prosecution

Kai Howitt

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Conviction

Legal Issues

1 Whether the trial judge failed to give adequate jury directions on self-defence considering the applicant's age and characteristics
2 Whether the trial judge failed to assist the jury on how the applicant's age and characteristics might affect their deliberations
3 Whether the conviction is unsafe due to these alleged failures

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

application for leave to appeal against conviction refused; application for extension of time refused

Orders

Renewed application for leave to appeal against conviction refused
Application for extension of time refused