R v Peter Gifford & Anor

R v Peter Gifford & Anor

The applications for extension of time and leave to appeal were refused because the applicants deliberately absconded, were aware of their convictions, and there were no arguable grounds for appeal; the trials were fair, the evidence was overwhelming, and the applicants' absence was voluntary.

Parties
Prosecutor: Rex; Applicant: Peter Gifford; Applicant: Penelope Anne Lawton
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
15 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Extension of Time and Leave to Appeal Against Conviction
Outcome
applications for extension of time and leave to appeal refused
Legal Topics
Appeals, Extension of Time, Conviction, Absconding, Trial in Absence, Money Laundering, Mortgage Fraud
Criminal Law Appeals Extension of Time Conviction Absconding Trial in Absence Money Laundering Mortgage Fraud

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Parties

Rex

Prosecutor

Peter Gifford

Applicant

Penelope Anne Lawton

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Extension of Time and Leave to Appeal Against Conviction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the applicants should be granted an extension of time to appeal against conviction after absconding and remaining at large for over eight years
  2. 2 Whether the convictions were unsafe due to the trials proceeding in the applicants' absence and without representation
  3. 3 Whether the evidence supported the convictions for mortgage fraud and money laundering

Ratio Decidendi

The applications for extension of time and leave to appeal were refused because the applicants deliberately absconded, were aware of their convictions, and there were no arguable grounds for appeal; the trials were fair, the evidence was overwhelming, and the applicants' absence was voluntary.

Court Disposition

applications for extension of time and leave to appeal refused

Orders

  • Applicants to pay reasonable costs of transcripts in the sum of £440.64