Stone, R v

Stone, R v

The Court held that the trial judge was not obliged to give a specific warning regarding Daley's evidence, as the jury was adequately directed to examine his evidence with great care due to his bad character and admissions of dishonesty. The fresh evidence regarding Daley's drug addiction and mental instability did not materially affect the safety of the conviction, as the jury was already aware of his unreliability. The appeal was dismissed as the convictions were not unsafe.

Parties
Prosecution: Regina; Appellant: Michael John Stone
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 January 2005
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Cell Confessions, Bad Character Evidence, Judicial Warnings, Credibility of Witnesses, Corroboration, Appeal Procedure
Criminal Law Cell Confessions Bad Character Evidence Judicial Warnings Credibility of Witnesses Corroboration Appeal Procedure

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 21 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Regina

Prosecution

Michael John Stone

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge was obliged to give a specific warning regarding the evidence of a prison informant of bad character
  2. 2 Whether fresh evidence regarding the informant's drug addiction, mental instability, and subsequent misconduct undermined the safety of the conviction
  3. 3 Whether the absence of a warning as to motive and bad character rendered the conviction unsafe

Ratio Decidendi

The Court held that the trial judge was not obliged to give a specific warning regarding Daley's evidence, as the jury was adequately directed to examine his evidence with great care due to his bad character and admissions of dishonesty. The fresh evidence regarding Daley's drug addiction and mental instability did not materially affect the safety of the conviction, as the jury was already aware of his unreliability. The appeal was dismissed as the convictions were not unsafe.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • leave to appeal on ground 7 refused
  • application to certify points of law of public importance refused