In this week’s Criminal Law update, we examine significant rulings from the Court of Appeal regarding sentencing, procedural fairness, and the complexities of mental health in criminal justice. Highlights include the case of Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss, where the court found flaws in sentencing following a tragic murder and sexual offence. We delve into the nuances of the manslaughter conviction of Mason Ibbotson and explore the implications of fresh evidence in the case of Gemma Brogan concerning modern slavery. The rulings also address contempt of court in Istvan Szobolloidi’s case, highlighting the importance of procedural safeguards, and the implications of mental health in the cases of Steven Gordon and Lurdită Baniulyte. Throughout the discussions, we stress the balance between protecting victims' anonymity rights and ensuring open justice, illustrating the judiciary's careful handling of these sensitive issues.

R v Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss [2025] EWCA Crim 1240

Mason Ibbotson v The Crown [2025] EWCA Crim 1221

R v ACR [2025] EWCA Crim 1220

Gemma Brogan v The Crown [2025] EWCA Crim 1208

Istvan Szobolloidi v The Crown [2025] EWCA Crim 1204

Steven Gordon v The Crown [2025] EWCA Crim 1194

Lurdită Baniulyte v The Crown [2025] EWCA Crim 1205

Cases referred to in this podcast and earlier podcasts can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HONdKkVUj26H1zeuukOd8R4eE6dPZleT?usp=share_link