R v Faheem Younis [2025] EWCA Crim 1632
Introduction
[1]On 27 July 2023 the applicant (then aged 42) was convicted of the murder of Darren Davis by stabbing during an argument over a drugs debt. He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years. He renews his application for leave to appeal against conviction following refusal by the Single Judge.Grounds of Appeal
[2]The grounds of appeal are as follows. The cumulative effect of these matters is said to be that the applicant was prejudiced and there was a serious adverse effect on the fairness of the trial. 1) The judge erred in allowing the prosecution to cross-examine the witnesses, Gary Reid and Simon Ruby, as hostile witnesses. Gary Reid was a serving prisoner who had previously made a statement saying the applicant had confessed to stabbing someone but his evidence at trial was diametrically opposed to this account. Simon Ruby spoke to the applicant just before and after the fatal stab wounds had been inflicted. He was an eyewitness. 2) The second ground of appeal is that the judge erred in allowing the co-accused’s application to adduce hearsay evidence of Emma Donnelly, DC Buckey and PC Brooks in respect of Gary Reid's previous inconsistent statements to them.[3]We have considered matters afresh but for the reasons given by the Single Judge, which we annex to this ruling, we refuse leave on this renewed application, having nothing further to add to the comprehensive analysis.