Colin Witcher represents client in “unusual and striking” Court of Appeal case

Colin Witcher, led by Kate Bex KC of Red Lion Chambers, appeared for the appellant in the Court of Appeal in this “unusual and striking” case concerning consent procured by deception by a trans man (R v Singh [2024] EWCA Crim 815).

On 17 July 2024, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment following a full day of argument and fresh evidence considering whether the appellant’s diagnosed gender dysphoria lessened their culpability for sexual offending.  The appellant had not disclosed being a trans man before penetration.

In granting permission to appeal on a renewed application, the Full Court had indicated two matters of general principle to be considered; how courts should approach the SCG where there was a form of consent, albeit consent procured by deception and secondly the impact of imprisonment on a trans offender.

Colin Witcher was led by Kate Bex KC of Red Lion Chambers. Counsel were instructed by Hanisha Godhania and Mel Kelemework of ABV Solicitors.

The full judgment can be found here.