Johnson & Ors, R. v

Johnson & Ors, R. v

There was sufficient evidence for the jury to conclude that Anderson, Belford, McBride, and Johnson were party to a wider conspiracy involving onward supply of cocaine, but insufficient evidence to establish Casey's involvement in the larger conspiracy; Anderson's sentence was not manifestly excessive or wrong in principle.

Parties
Appellant: Ryan Johnson; Appellant: Paul Casey; Appellant: Andrew Belford; Appellant: Robert Anderson; Appellant: Darren McBride; Respondent: Regina
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
01 April 2020
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence
Outcome
Appeals against conviction dismissed except for Casey's, which is allowed; Anderson's application for leave to appeal against sentence and extension of time dismissed; McBride granted extension of time to appeal against conviction.
Legal Topics
Conspiracy, Drug Offences, Appeal Procedure, Sentencing Guidelines
Criminal Law Conspiracy Drug Offences Appeal Procedure Sentencing Guidelines

Case Brief

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Parties

Ryan Johnson

Appellant

Paul Casey

Appellant

Andrew Belford

Appellant

Robert Anderson

Appellant

Darren McBride

Appellant

Regina

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether there was sufficient evidence of a single conspiracy involving all appellants
  2. 2 Whether the judge erred in refusing a submission of no case to answer
  3. 3 Whether the sentencing of Anderson was manifestly excessive or wrong in principle

Ratio Decidendi

There was sufficient evidence for the jury to conclude that Anderson, Belford, McBride, and Johnson were party to a wider conspiracy involving onward supply of cocaine, but insufficient evidence to establish Casey's involvement in the larger conspiracy; Anderson's sentence was not manifestly excessive or wrong in principle.

Court Disposition

Appeals against conviction dismissed except for Casey's, which is allowed; Anderson's application for leave to appeal against sentence and extension of time dismissed; McBride granted extension of time to appeal against conviction.

Orders

  • Conviction of Paul Casey quashed
  • Appeals against conviction for Johnson, Anderson, Belford, and McBride dismissed