‘How the Past Comes Back to Haunt You’: an update on Bad Character

‘How the Past Comes Back to Haunt You’: an update on Bad Character

Tuesday 26 April 2022, 18.00-19.00

[Download webinar handouts here]

A webinar presented by Red Lion members Jeremy Benson QC and Bethan Rogers.

This webinar will provide practitioners with an update on the latest developments which have affected the handling of bad character evidence. Whether that is defendant or non-defendant bad character, this will offer a comprehensive look at the recent rulings, and in particular, an examination of the following cases:

• R v Dixon Keating [2021] EWCA Crim 673 – a case which looks at the admission of so called gang material, in particular the admission of expert evidence on the topic.
• R v Altun [2021] EWCA Crim 1844 – a case which is notable for the fact that it demonstrates an unusual source for a bad character application, namely medical records allegedly showing a propensity towards violence.
• AAM [2021] EWCA Crim 1720 – a case that was an appeal against conviction on the ground that the Judge had failed to direct the jury regarding evidence of reprehensible behaviour. The appeal involved a useful discussion of difference between s.98 and bad character evidence, which can occasionally become conflated.
• R v Colecozy-Rogers [2021] EWCA Crim 1111 – a comprehensive analysis of how bad character evidence can be used depending on which gateway it is admitted through.
• R v Hussain [2021] EWCA Crim 870 – this new case relates to the use of s.100.conviction was quashed and an retrial ordered. R v Bogdanovic [2020] EWCA Crim 1229 is another, quite detailed, case on this area of bad character evidence.

Jeremy Benson QC

Jeremy Benson QC is an accomplished silk with over thirty years’ experience both prosecuting and defending in fact heavy, complex cases of considerable importance. He is instructed in serious crimes at the highest level including sexual offences, murder, organised crime and financial crime. Jeremy has been ranked in the directories every year since 2001 in both crime and fraud and more recently in tax: corporate and vat. Jeremy is frequently called upon to teach various advocacy courses worldwide, including the American Bar Association advocacy course in Florida, the Keble College Annual Advocacy Course and the teacher trainer advocacy course at Middle Temple. He is a tutor Judge at the Judicial College.

Bethan Rogers

Bethan has a busy criminal practice, in both prosecution and defence work. She is particularly experienced in cases involving defendants with mental health issues and examination of vulnerable witnesses. She has developed a considerable practice in cases involving serious sexual offences and multi handed drugs offences. In addition to this, Bethan is experienced in regulatory matters and extradition law. She is also very familiar with post-conviction confiscation proceedings including appellate work and applications to vary existing orders, cash seizure and forfeiture and confiscation enforcement.