Ms AB

Ms AB was convicted in Magistrates’ Court in December 2002, aged 14, of being carried in a stolen motor vehicle, driving with no insurance, and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence and assault. 

She was sentenced to a three-month referral order, her licence was endorsed, and she was given a 12-month supervision order. 

At the time of her convictions, she was said to be “in a relationship” with a man she had met when she was 11 years old.  

During an interview with the CCRC, after her application was received in January 2024, she explained the man would bring food to her house, flatter her and make her feel special.  

Within months, the interactions with the man became sexual, and she was encouraged to have sex with his friends. She explained that he would use violence and emotional blackmail to get her to comply. At the time of her offences, she was living in a children’s home. 

Ms AB pleaded guilty to the offences at the time and so had no ordinary right to appeal.  

Following review, the CCRC decided there was a real possibility the convictions would not be upheld on appeal to the Crown Court, as the failure to protect Ms AB and the failure to investigate left her unable to effectively participate in the proceedings and consider any defences open to her. 

It was arguable that her prosecution was an abuse of process as it was not possible for her to receive a fair trial. 

The CCRC referred the conviction in May 2026.