Regina v MRK

The appellant, MRK, appealed against his conviction for aggravated sexual assault in company, where the aggravating factor was the use of an offensive weapon, a knife. The case was heard in the Court of Criminal Appeal. The appellant argued that the trial judge's directions to the jury regarding the joint criminal enterprise were erroneous, inadequate, and did not properly state the onus of proof. The appellant also argued that the verdicts were unreasonable.

The court considered whether there was sufficient evidence that the appellant was a party to an agreement to use a knife during the assault, and whether it was open to the jury to find the element of aggravation. The court also examined whether the trial judge's directions to the jury were adequate, whether the onus of proof was properly stated, and whether the verdicts were reasonable.

The court found that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's conclusion that the appellant was a party to an agreement to use a knife during the assault. The court held that it was open to the jury to find the element of aggravation, and that the trial judge's directions to the jury were adequate. The court also found that the onus of proof was properly stated, and that the verdicts were reasonable.

The appeal was dismissed. The conviction and sentence of the appellant were upheld.