Stephens, Kevin

Kevin Stephens was convicted in November 1997 of robbery, possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon without the authority of the Defence Council (a CS gas canister), and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Mr Stephens received a sentence of 10 years and 263 days’ imprisonment.

The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction in June 2002.

Mr Stephens had been convicted partly on the basis of intercepted telephone call evidence.

During review, the CCRC considered the decision of the House of Lords in the case of DPP v Morgans (2000) which concerned the admissibility of intercepted telephone calls obtained without a warrant.

The CCRC concluded that the decision in Morgans meant that the telephone call evidence should not have been admitted at Mr Stephens’ trial.

The CCRC referred the conviction in September 2002.