Underwood, Dennis

Dennis Underwood was convicted in March 1995 of murder and received a sentence of life imprisonment.

The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction in October 1997.

Following investigation, the CCRC found that a witness who had given evidence against Mr Underwood at trial had significant previous convictions.

This had not been disclosed to the defence or court because the witness had succeeded in concealing his true identity from the prosecuting authorities.

The CCRC considered that, had the defence been made aware prior to the trial of the witness’s convictions, this would have formed part of the discussions which took place as to whether Mr Underwood should give evidence himself, and/or the defence may have decided to use this information in cross-examination of the witness.

The CCRC referred the conviction in October 2000.

The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction in May 2003.