Achanfuo-Yeboah v The Queen (No 2)

In *Achanfuo-Yeboah v The Queen (No 2)*, Refshauge J considered an application by David Achanfuo-Yeboah for an extension of the stay of his sentence and the continuation of his bail. The application was made in the context of an ongoing appeal against his conviction and sentence.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether special and exceptional circumstances existed to justify extending the stay of sentence and continuing bail. This involved assessing whether the applicant's financial difficulties in securing adequate legal representation for his appeal constituted such circumstances.

Refshauge J reasoned that the applicant's inability to secure legal representation due to financial constraints, despite genuine efforts, amounted to special and exceptional circumstances. The Court applied the principle that access to legal representation is fundamental to the proper prosecution of an appeal. Consequently, the Court ordered that the stay of sentence imposed on Mr Achanfuo-Yeboah be extended to 4:00pm on 5 May 2017, and his bail be continued, subject to specific financial conditions designed to facilitate his legal representation and the prompt prosecution of his appeal. Leave was also granted for a separate application to be withdrawn.