In this week's Criminal Law update, we cover crucial decisions from the Court of Appeal that shed light on significant issues within the legal framework. Notably, the court addressed the application of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 with regards to reporting restrictions and the admissibility of res gestae evidence in complex sexual abuse cases. We also delve into the treatment of res gestae in domestic violence situations where complainants do not provide live testimony, reaffirming its importance in ensuring justice is served. The podcast highlights varying approaches to sentencing, particularly in cases involving serious offences such as dangerous driving, sexual exploitation, and drug-related crimes, with considerations around personal circumstances, totality, and the treatment of guilty pleas. As we navigate these cases, we reveal how the court maintains a delicate balance between public protection, deterrence, and rehabilitation, all within the established sentencing guidelines.

R v Keith Bunce [2025] EWCA Crim 1157

R v Sylvester Danilowski [2025] EWCA Crim 1279

R v Jack Douglas [2025] EWCA Crim 1158

R v Finley Wood [2025] EWCA Crim 1257

R v Lee Hargrave [2025] EWCA Crim 1233

R v Santosh Rai [2025] EWCA Crim 1224

R v Nathan Woods-Springer [2025] EWCA Crim 1267

R v Andre Mathurin [2025] EWCA Crim 1254

R v Kevin Kenyon [2025] EWCA Crim 1236

R v Kevin Kenyon [2025] EWCA Crim 1238

R v Jason Howells [2025] EWCA Crim 1237

R v Peter Masih [2025] EWCA Crim 1259

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