The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred the murder conviction of Mr Ian John Lawless to the Court of Appeal.
Mr Lawless was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of the murder of Alfred Wilkins at Hull Crown Court on February 20th 2002.
Mr Wilkins died as the result of smoke inhalation at his home on February 9th 2001.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission is referring the case to the Court of Appeal because it believes there is a real possibility that the conviction may be quashed.
Mr Lawless is represented by Mr Mark Newby of Jordans Solicitors, 4 Priory Place, Doncaster. DN1 1 BP. Telephone: 01302 365 374.
This press release was issued by Justin Hawkins, Head of Communication, Criminal Cases Review Commission, on 0121 633 1806 or e-mail press@ccrc.gov.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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”.
5. If a case is referred, it is then for the appeal court to decide whether the conviction is unsafe or the sentence unfair.
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