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The Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from the Central Criminal Court, upholding the appellant's convictions for rape and multiple counts of sexual assault against a child. The appellant argued that the trial judge erred by refusing to give the jury a corroboration warning and that this decision was predetermined. The Court found that the decision to give such a warning is at the discretion of the trial judge, based on the evidence presented, and that there was no unusual or special feature in the evidence that required a corroboration warning. The Court held there was no evidence of prejudgment by the trial judge, and determined that the complainant’s evidence was sufficiently detailed and specific. As a result, the original convictions and sentences were affirmed.
appeal dismissed – historical sexual abuse – rape – sexual assault – child complainant – corroboration warning – judicial discretion – jury directions – evidence of complainant – discretionary warning – delay in complaint – grounds of appeal – predetermination – Criminal Law (Rape) Act 1981 – Sex Offenders Act 2001
Note: This is intended to be a fair and accurate report of a decision made public by a court of law. Any errors should be notified to the editor and will be dealt with accordingly.
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