7 Jan 2010
The magistrate's sentencing was appropriate: concurrent sentences for soliciting and breach of condition of stay were correct; the pickpocketing offence was a distinct, aggravated theft justifying a separate starting point (12 months) reduced for guilty plea, and properly ordered to run consecutively, producing a total term of 10 months which was not excessive.
24 Dec 2002
The magistrate's assessment of the undercover policeman's credibility, supported by the inherent probabilities of the situation, discharged the prosecution's burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt; therefore the appellate court must defer to that factual finding and uphold the conviction.
29 Oct 2001
The judge correctly interpreted s.117 and found on the facts that the club, being open for business and inviting the public, was a public place; and the judge properly exercised discretion in refusing costs to the 1st applicant. Consequently there was no reasonably arguable question of law of great and general importance nor any substantial and grave injustice to warrant leave under s.32, so leave is refused.