Sheasby v The Queen

The appellant was convicted of various charges related to domestic violence, including assault, deprivation of liberty, and making threats. The appeal was twofold, challenging both the conviction and the sentence. The appellant argued that the summing-up by the judge was inadequate and that the evidence of other acts of violence was inadmissible and irrelevant. The appellant also contended that the sentence was too severe given the circumstances and his antecedents.

The court examined whether the summing-up adequately reflected the Longman direction, ensuring the jury understood the need to be cautious in convicting based on uncorroborated evidence of sexual or violent nature. The court also considered the admissibility and relevancy of evidence of other acts of violence not contained in the formal complaint and whether it had a probative value in establishing a relevant issue in the case. The court further assessed whether the sentence was appropriate in light of the gravity of the offences and the appellant's criminal history.

The court held that the summing-up was appropriate and correctly reflected the Longman direction, and the evidence of other acts of violence was admissible and relevant to show a pattern of behaviour. The court found that the sentence, while severe, was justified given the gravity of the offences and the appellant's history. The appeal against conviction was dismissed, but the appeal against sentence was allowed, and the appeal against sentence was ultimately dismissed.

The court denied leave to appeal against the conviction but granted leave to appeal against the sentence. The appeal against the sentence was dismissed, and the original sentence was upheld.