R v Michael Ward

R v Michael Ward

The evidence, including DNA on the inner waistband of jeans linked to the burglary and circumstantial facts, was sufficient for a reasonable jury to convict. The judge was correct to reject the submission of no case to answer and leave the matter to the jury.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Michael Ward
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
19 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Conviction
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, Theft, DNA Evidence, Submission of No Case to Answer, Circumstantial Evidence
Criminal Law Conspiracy to Commit Burglary Theft DNA Evidence Submission of No Case to Answer Circumstantial Evidence

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 3 Authorities cited 4 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Michael Ward

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Conviction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the judge erred in rejecting the submission of no case to answer
  2. 2 Whether the conviction was unsafe given the nature of the DNA evidence

Ratio Decidendi

The evidence, including DNA on the inner waistband of jeans linked to the burglary and circumstantial facts, was sufficient for a reasonable jury to convict. The judge was correct to reject the submission of no case to answer and leave the matter to the jury.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • conviction upheld