R v Neil Webb Johnson

R v Neil Webb Johnson

There was no sufficient evidential foundation before the judge to establish the necessity for a restraining order post-acquittal, as required by law. The judge erred in making the order without evidence of a significant future risk of harassment, particularly given the long passage of time since the last alleged conduct and absence of recent complaints or statements supporting necessity.

Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Neil Webb-Johnson
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
08 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Restraining Order After Acquittal
Outcome
appeal allowed; restraining order quashed
Legal Topics
Restraining Orders, Acquittal, Protection From Harassment, Necessity Test, Appeals
Criminal Law Restraining Orders Acquittal Protection From Harassment Necessity Test Appeals

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 8 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Neil Webb-Johnson

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Restraining Order After Acquittal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the evidential basis for necessity of a restraining order post-acquittal was established
  2. 2 Whether the judge erred in law by making a restraining order without sufficient evidence of future risk

Ratio Decidendi

There was no sufficient evidential foundation before the judge to establish the necessity for a restraining order post-acquittal, as required by law. The judge erred in making the order without evidence of a significant future risk of harassment, particularly given the long passage of time since the last alleged conduct and absence of recent complaints or statements supporting necessity.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed; restraining order quashed

Orders

  • The restraining order made against Neil Webb-Johnson is quashed.