McDaid, James

James McDaid was convicted in April 1997 at Worcester Crown Court of damaging property, damaging property being reckless as to whether life is endangered, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Mr McDaid received a sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.

The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction for causing grievous bodily harm in February 2000.

During review, the CCRC found evidence to suggest that the indictment upon which Mr McDaid’s trial proceeded was not signed, and that there was a real possibility the court would find that the trial and conviction should be rendered a nullity in consequence.

This conclusion was reached on the basis of previous judgments.

The CCRC referred the conviction in May 2005.

The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction in May 2006.

In February 2008, the House of Lords reversed the Court of Appeal’s decision and the conviction was subsequently quashed.