The Commission has used its statutory powers to require the Chief Officer of Humberside Police to appoint an officer from an outside police force to conduct an investigation to assist the Commission with its review.
Detective Superintendent Carl Sturgess of South Yorkshire Police has been appointed as the Investigating Officer.
Any media enquires should be directed to Justin Hawkins, Head of Communication, Criminal Cases Review Commission, on 0121 633 1806 or e-mail
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Section 19 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 provides the power for the Criminal Cases Review Commission to require the appointment of an investigating officer (IO) to carry out inquiries to assist the Commission in the exercise of any of its functions. The decision to require the appointment of an IO must be made by a committee of three Commissioners. Although there are circumstances where an IO might not be a police officer, all IO appointments to date have been of police officers.
Details of Commission policy on section 19 appointments of IOs can be seen in a formal memorandum on the Commission's website at:
www.ccrc.gov.uk/documents/SECTION_19_REQUIREMENTS_TO_APPOINT_AN_IO.DOC
2. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is an independent body set up under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995. It is responsible for reviewing suspected and alleged miscarriages of criminal justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is based in Birmingham and is funded by the Ministry of Justice.
3. There are 11 Commissioners who bring to the Commission considerable experience from a wide variety of backgrounds. Commissioners are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister in accordance with the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice.
4. The Commission receives around 1,000 applications for reviews (convictions and/or sentences) each year. Typically, around 4%, or one in 25, of all applications are referred to the appeal courts.
5. The Commission considers whether, as a result of new evidence or argument, there is a real possibility that the conviction would not be upheld were a reference to be made. New evidence or argument is argument or evidence which has not been raised during the trial or on appeal. Applicants should usually have appealed first. A case can be referred in the absence of new evidence or argument or an earlier appeal only if there are "exceptional circumstances".
6. If a case is referred, it is then for the appeal court to decide whether the conviction is unsafe or the sentence unfair.