On 14 May 2026, GT Stewart successfully represented an appellant whose conviction was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission on the basis that there was no jurisdiction to hear one of the counts, as it involved alleged conduct committed outside the UK.

The conviction occurred at a time when there was no legislation in place permitting a trial in England.

The Prosecution opposed the appeal based on the potential retrospective effect of a later statute. The Court of Appeal disagreed and quashed the conviction.

The Court also decided that it had jurisdiction under s.9 Criminal Appeal Act 1995 to quash the conviction and rejected the Prosecution’s submission that it needed to sit as a Divisional Court if the count on the indictment was deemed to be a nullity.

Lady Chief Justice Carr gave the judgment of the Court.

Partner and Senior Solicitor, Greg Stewart and Paralegal, Matthew Ronchetti of GT Stewart Solicitors instructed Counsel, Tom Wainwright of Garden Court Chambers. Neither GT Stewart nor Tom acted at the Crown Court proceedings.

Tom was thanked by the LCJ for his excellent written and oral submissions.

If you require advice on a criminal appeal, contact us at CrimeAppeals@gtstewart.co.uk.