W v. Att. Gen. [2015] 1 JLR 29 (28 November 2014)

W v. Att. Gen. [2015] 1 JLR 29 (28 November 2014)

A fair trial of historic sexual offences is possible despite a delay of over 50 years; proceedings should not be stayed unless serious prejudice to the defence makes a fair trial impossible.

Citation
[2015] 1 JLR 29
Parties
Applicant: W; Respondent: Attorney General
Jurisdiction
Jersey
Judgment Date
28 November 2014
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Application for Stay of Proceedings
Outcome
application for stay of proceedings dismissed
Legal Topics
Abuse of Process, Stay of Proceedings, Historic Sexual Offences, Fair Trial

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 1 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

W

Applicant

Attorney General

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Application for Stay of Proceedings

  1. 1 Whether proceedings should be stayed for abuse of process due to delay
  2. 2 Whether delay of over 50 years renders a fair trial impossible

Ratio Decidendi

A fair trial of historic sexual offences is possible despite a delay of over 50 years; proceedings should not be stayed unless serious prejudice to the defence makes a fair trial impossible.

Court Disposition

application for stay of proceedings dismissed