Sally-Ann Hales QC in Court of Appeal case that questions whether as a matter of law a trial can continue after a defendant has died

March 23, 2017

Darren Turk took his own life while the jury were in retirement. He was indicted with historic sexual offences against pupils at Frewen College in Northiam, East Sussex between 1996 and 2002.

Notwithstanding his death the Court received verdicts from the jury.

The appeal has been brought by, on Mr Turk’s behalf by his mother, Jasmine Botting.  Sally-Ann Hales QC, on behalf of the Appellant has argued that criminal proceedings should abate upon the death of an accused and that it was unlawful for the Court to take the verdicts.

Judgment has been reserved by the Court of Appeal, Sir Brian Leveson, President of the Queens Bench Division, stating that the appeal raises an important issue of criminal law.

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