R v Patrick John Ryan

R v Patrick John Ryan

The absence of a clear and properly crafted cross admissibility direction left the jury in a position where they may have improperly used evidence from one complainant as propensity evidence against the other, rendering the convictions unsafe. The other grounds of appeal and the application to admit fresh evidence were without merit.

Parties
Applicant/appellant: Regina; Respondent: Patrick John Ryan
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 March 2021
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction After Trial
Outcome
Appeal allowed, convictions quashed, retrial ordered
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences, Appeal Against Conviction, Fresh Evidence, Jury Directions, Cross Admissibility

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Regina

Applicant/appellant

Patrick John Ryan

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction After Trial

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge failed to give proper directions on cross admissibility of evidence between complainants
  2. 2 Whether the judge failed to give appropriate directions regarding alleged lies and adverse inferences
  3. 3 Whether fresh evidence should be admitted on appeal

Ratio Decidendi

The absence of a clear and properly crafted cross admissibility direction left the jury in a position where they may have improperly used evidence from one complainant as propensity evidence against the other, rendering the convictions unsafe. The other grounds of appeal and the application to admit fresh evidence were without merit.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed, convictions quashed, retrial ordered

Orders

  • Extension of time granted
  • Leave to appeal granted