Nigel Sookram v The Queen (Grenada)

Nigel Sookram v The Queen (Grenada)

There was no unfairness or prejudice to the appellant in continuing the trial with the same jury after the co-accused's change of plea, and the judge's directions on joint enterprise were proper and, if anything, favourable to the defence. The evidence supported the appellant as the actual killer, and the appeal was without merit.

Citation
[2011] UKPC 5
Parties
Appellant: Nigel Sookram; Respondent: The Queen
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Judgment Date
23 February 2011
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment (privy Council)
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Murder, Manslaughter, Joint Enterprise, Jury Discharge, Appeals
Criminal Law Murder Manslaughter Joint Enterprise Jury Discharge Appeals

Case Brief

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Parties

Nigel Sookram

Appellant

The Queen

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment (privy Council)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge erred in failing to discharge the jury after the co-accused changed his plea to manslaughter
  2. 2 Whether the judge misdirected the jury on the law of joint enterprise liability

Ratio Decidendi

There was no unfairness or prejudice to the appellant in continuing the trial with the same jury after the co-accused's change of plea, and the judge's directions on joint enterprise were proper and, if anything, favourable to the defence. The evidence supported the appellant as the actual killer, and the appeal was without merit.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • The Board will humbly advise Her Majesty that the appeal should be dismissed.