Evidence of bad character: R v McKenzie (Mark Anthony Robert) [2008] EWCA Crim 758, R v Doncaster (Roger George) [2008] EWCA Crim 5

Abstract

(1). The Court of Appeal (Toulson LJ, Penry-Davey and Simon JJ) considered whether evidence of the defendant’s bad driving on previous occasions was properly admissible at the defendant’s trial on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. (2). The Court of Appeal (Rix LJ, Swift J and Sir Richard Curtis) considered whether evidence of misconduct falling short of conviction of a criminal offence should have been admitted at the defendant’s trial, and whether, absent any relevant convictions, the judge should have given the jury a 'good character' direction.