Stringer, R v [2008] EWCA Crim 1222 (10 June 2008)

Stringer, R v [2008] EWCA Crim 1222 (10 June 2008)

The conviction is not unsafe because the substance of the key witnesses' evidence was not undermined by possible timing inaccuracies, the police interview passages were properly admitted as relevant to the appellant's understanding of consequences, and the judge's directions on intent, though imperfect, did not mislead the jury given the overwhelming evidence of intent.

Citation
[2008] EWCA Crim 1222
Parties
Respondent: R; Appellant: Matthew Stringer
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
10 June 2008
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction After Trial at Crown Court
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Murder, Arson, Intent, Admissibility of Evidence, Directions to Jury, Fresh Evidence
Criminal Law Murder Arson Intent Admissibility of Evidence Directions to Jury Fresh Evidence

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

R

Respondent

Matthew Stringer

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction After Trial at Crown Court

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether fresh evidence (media report of witness timing) renders conviction unsafe
  2. 2 Whether police interview passages about intent were admissible
  3. 3 Whether judge's directions to jury on intent were correct

Ratio Decidendi

The conviction is not unsafe because the substance of the key witnesses' evidence was not undermined by possible timing inaccuracies, the police interview passages were properly admitted as relevant to the appellant's understanding of consequences, and the judge's directions on intent, though imperfect, did not mislead the jury given the overwhelming evidence of intent.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Application to admit fresh evidence refused
  • Conviction upheld