Discussion:
Perverting the Course of Justice
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Calvin Henry-Cotnam
2021-11-11 21:29:58 UTC
Permalink
There has been a number of times on Corrie where someone was either
threatened with being charged with Perverting the Course of Justice,
or actually has been.

It wasn't that long ago when Gary was found with the 'weapon' used
on Adam and confessed to it. When it came out that Faye was really
responsible, the charges against Gary were revised to Perverting the
Course of Justice and he was quickly found guilty of that. While his
record likely meant that he would get a custodial sentence, it seemed
to me there was an air of "well, we already have him in custody so
we'll just keep him in under new charges".

I'm over-simplifying Gary's story, but I bring it up to demonstrate
an example of Corrie's constabulatory jumping to charge someone with
Perverting the Course of Justice at the drop of a hat.

This brings me to my main question: So what about Stefan Brent (Corey's
father)?

When Cory and Stefan were "delivered" to the police, there was NOTHING
shown of Stefan being charged with Perverting the Course of Justice,
even though the police mentioned the false testimony of Eli Higginson
(and his father Christian) was being recanted.

I don't know UK law that well, but does helping Corey to leave the
country to escape justice involve this charge, or is there another
charge like aiding and abetting a fugitive that applies?

While I was pleased to see Corey going to prison and losing his football
career, I *REALLY* want to see that smug bastard Stefan go to prison.

I want to see "Mr Untouchable" go to prison, where he sure will become
very touchable. ;-)

Come on Corrie writers - if you still watch this newsgroup, please have
Stefan Brent do some prison time. We don't need to see the trial, or
even him being interviewed by police. Just a mention between other
characters about him getting whatever sentenece would be appreciated!
--
Calvin Henry-Cotnam
"Unusual or extreme reactions to events caused by negligence
are imaginable, but not reasonably foreseeable"
- Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, May 2008
kat
2021-11-11 23:00:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
There has been a number of times on Corrie where someone was either
threatened with being charged with Perverting the Course of Justice,
or actually has been.
It wasn't that long ago when Gary was found with the 'weapon' used
on Adam and confessed to it. When it came out that Faye was really
responsible, the charges against Gary were revised to Perverting the
Course of Justice and he was quickly found guilty of that. While his
record likely meant that he would get a custodial sentence, it seemed
to me there was an air of "well, we already have him in custody so
we'll just keep him in under new charges".
I'm over-simplifying Gary's story, but I bring it up to demonstrate
an example of Corrie's constabulatory jumping to charge someone with
Perverting the Course of Justice at the drop of a hat.
This brings me to my main question: So what about Stefan Brent (Corey's
father)?
When Cory and Stefan were "delivered" to the police, there was NOTHING
shown of Stefan being charged with Perverting the Course of Justice,
even though the police mentioned the false testimony of Eli Higginson
(and his father Christian) was being recanted.
I don't know UK law that well, but does helping Corey to leave the
country to escape justice involve this charge, or is there another
charge like aiding and abetting a fugitive that applies?
"assisting others to evade arrest for a significant period of time" is an
example of an act which may constitute the offence of perverting the course of
justice

But apparently there is a General Charging Practice which has to decide among
other things,
"was motivated by misplaced loyalty to a relative/friend or was part of a
concerted effort to avoid, pervert, or defeat justice" and if it was planned and
stuff like that.

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/public-justice-offences-incorporating-charging-standard

He might have got away with it as "somewhat spontaneous, looking out for his
son", but of course, he also arranged for Eli to lie in the first trial, that
was definitely perversion, and planned. Though I suppose he could insist he
believed Corey innocent at the time!

And I think Eli must have come clean later, after the arrest, so maybe he will
still get done. Eli also perverted justice, but he's a kid, his dad presumably
applied some pressure to him.
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
While I was pleased to see Corey going to prison and losing his football
career, I *REALLY* want to see that smug bastard Stefan go to prison.
I want to see "Mr Untouchable" go to prison, where he sure will become
very touchable. ;-)
Come on Corrie writers - if you still watch this newsgroup, please have
Stefan Brent do some prison time. We don't need to see the trial, or
even him being interviewed by police. Just a mention between other
characters about him getting whatever sentenece would be appreciated!
--
kat
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
^..^<
Calvin Henry-Cotnam
2021-11-12 13:49:10 UTC
Permalink
Post by kat
He might have got away with it as "somewhat spontaneous, looking out for
his son", but of course, he also arranged for Eli to lie in the first
trial, that was definitely perversion, and planned. Though I suppose he
could insist he believed Corey innocent at the time!
I find it dubious that really believing in someone's innocence is a
justification for breaking the law. Stefan basically tampered with a
witness.
Post by kat
And I think Eli must have come clean later, after the arrest, so maybe
he will still get done. Eli also perverted justice, but he's a kid, his
dad presumably applied some pressure to him.
Eli's dad accepted a job that he would not otherwise been offered, and
perhaps may not have had the qualifications enough for anyone to call
him in for an interview if he had applied.

Doing so and pressuring Eli to give false testimony seems to be in the
same basket as witness tampering.
--
Calvin Henry-Cotnam
"Unusual or extreme reactions to events caused by negligence
are imaginable, but not reasonably foreseeable"
- Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, May 2008
kat
2021-11-12 21:06:36 UTC
Permalink
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
He might have got away with it as "somewhat spontaneous, looking out for
his son", but of course, he also arranged for Eli to lie in the first
trial, that was definitely perversion, and planned. Though I suppose he
could insist he believed Corey innocent at the time!
I find it dubious that really believing in someone's innocence is a
justification for breaking the law. Stefan basically tampered with a
witness.
He can suggest it at trial, defence, or mitigation, see if he gets believed. We,
of course, wouldn't. :-)
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
And I think Eli must have come clean later, after the arrest, so maybe
he will still get done. Eli also perverted justice, but he's a kid, his
dad presumably applied some pressure to him.
Eli's dad accepted a job that he would not otherwise been offered, and
perhaps may not have had the qualifications enough for anyone to call
him in for an interview if he had applied.
Doing so and pressuring Eli to give false testimony seems to be in the
same basket as witness tampering.
It is, but it is Stefan and Eli's dad who are guilty. I was setting out the
defence for Eli, who is also guilty but I suspect would only be cautioned at
most due to that pressure.
--
kat
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
^..^<
Calvin Henry-Cotnam
2021-11-13 06:30:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by kat
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
He might have got away with it as "somewhat spontaneous, looking out for
his son", but of course, he also arranged for Eli to lie in the first
trial, that was definitely perversion, and planned. Though I suppose he
could insist he believed Corey innocent at the time!
I find it dubious that really believing in someone's innocence is a
justification for breaking the law. Stefan basically tampered with a
witness.
He can suggest it at trial, defence, or mitigation, see if he gets
believed. We, of course, wouldn't. :-)
True. I suspect that this would not, or at least should not, be a
consideration when it comes to determining guilt. Though I could see
it making a difference when it comes to sentencing.
Post by kat
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
And I think Eli must have come clean later, after the arrest, so maybe
he will still get done. Eli also perverted justice, but he's a kid, his
dad presumably applied some pressure to him.
Eli's dad accepted a job that he would not otherwise been offered, and
perhaps may not have had the qualifications enough for anyone to call
him in for an interview if he had applied.
Doing so and pressuring Eli to give false testimony seems to be in the
same basket as witness tampering.
It is, but it is Stefan and Eli's dad who are guilty. I was setting out the
defence for Eli, who is also guilty but I suspect would only be cautioned at
most due to that pressure.
Yes, I suspect Eli could receive a caution, or perhaps a non-custodial
sentence. The real culprits, where quid pro quo was involved, are Eli's
father and Stefan.
--
Calvin Henry-Cotnam
"Unusual or extreme reactions to events caused by negligence
are imaginable, but not reasonably foreseeable"
- Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, May 2008
kat
2021-11-15 09:11:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
He might have got away with it as "somewhat spontaneous, looking out for
his son", but of course, he also arranged for Eli to lie in the first
trial, that was definitely perversion, and planned. Though I suppose he
could insist he believed Corey innocent at the time!
I find it dubious that really believing in someone's innocence is a
justification for breaking the law. Stefan basically tampered with a
witness.
He can suggest it at trial, defence, or mitigation, see if he gets
believed. We, of course, wouldn't. :-)
True. I suspect that this would not, or at least should not, be a
consideration when it comes to determining guilt. Though I could see
it making a difference when it comes to sentencing.
Yes. In that link I provided before there are a number of points regarding the
assessment of the conduct ( where there is a Public Justic offence) and if
there should be a charge at all. Public intersest factors might suggest not.
but when they do go ahead the same considerations will apply when sentence is
being considered.
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
And I think Eli must have come clean later, after the arrest, so maybe
he will still get done. Eli also perverted justice, but he's a kid, his
dad presumably applied some pressure to him.
Eli's dad accepted a job that he would not otherwise been offered, and
perhaps may not have had the qualifications enough for anyone to call
him in for an interview if he had applied.
Doing so and pressuring Eli to give false testimony seems to be in the
same basket as witness tampering.
It is, but it is Stefan and Eli's dad who are guilty. I was setting out the
defence for Eli, who is also guilty but I suspect would only be cautioned at
most due to that pressure.
Yes, I suspect Eli could receive a caution, or perhaps a non-custodial
sentence. The real culprits, where quid pro quo was involved, are Eli's
father and Stefan.
Looking closer at that link it is firstly Stefan who is to blame, in the
original trial. Under perverting the course of justice comes "persuading, or
attempting to persuade, by intimidation, harm or otherwise, a witness not to
give evidence, to alter his evidence or to give false evidence". Eli also by
"agreeing to give false evidence" but Eli's actual offence is perjury. But it
isn't really in the public interest to come down hard on him, he was intimidated.

It would be good if there was, at some point, a passing reference to something
about Stefan at least getting some sort of sentence.
--
kat
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
^..^<
Calvin Henry-Cotnam
2021-11-18 14:04:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by kat
It would be good if there was, at some point, a passing reference to
something about Stefan at least getting some sort of sentence.
That's what I'm hoping for.

We don't need to see his trial, though it would be nice to see the
justice system smack away his smug smile when he learns he can't buy
his way out. ;-)
--
Calvin Henry-Cotnam
"Unusual or extreme reactions to events caused by negligence
are imaginable, but not reasonably foreseeable"
- Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, May 2008
kat
2021-11-19 11:13:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
Post by kat
It would be good if there was, at some point, a passing reference to
something about Stefan at least getting some sort of sentence.
That's what I'm hoping for.
We don't need to see his trial, though it would be nice to see the
justice system smack away his smug smile when he learns he can't buy
his way out. ;-)
Oh yes, it really would!
--
kat
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
^..^<
capricorn40
2021-11-29 09:24:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
There has been a number of times on Corrie where someone was either
threatened with being charged with Perverting the Course of Justice,
or actually has been.
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
I don't know UK law that well, but does helping Corey to leave the
country to escape justice involve this charge, or is there another
charge like aiding and abetting a fugitive that applies?
If you want to read a real live example, look at the case of girlfriend of Ian Huntley, Maxine Carr:

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/5557736/maxine-carr-ian-huntley-soham-murders/
She didn't know he meandered those girls, but she gave a statement saying he was somewhere he wasn't.
capricorn40
2021-11-29 09:27:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by capricorn40
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
There has been a number of times on Corrie where someone was either
threatened with being charged with Perverting the Course of Justice,
or actually has been.
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
I don't know UK law that well, but does helping Corey to leave the
country to escape justice involve this charge, or is there another
charge like aiding and abetting a fugitive that applies?
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/5557736/maxine-carr-ian-huntley-soham-murders/
She didn't know he meandered those girls, but she gave a statement saying he was somewhere he wasn't.
Jezz, murdered, not meandered. (stupid autocorrect)
kat
2021-11-29 10:05:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by capricorn40
Post by capricorn40
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
There has been a number of times on Corrie where someone was either
threatened with being charged with Perverting the Course of Justice,
or actually has been.
Post by Calvin Henry-Cotnam
I don't know UK law that well, but does helping Corey to leave the
country to escape justice involve this charge, or is there another
charge like aiding and abetting a fugitive that applies?
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/5557736/maxine-carr-ian-huntley-soham-murders/
She didn't know he meandered those girls, but she gave a statement saying he was somewhere he wasn't.
Jezz, murdered, not meandered. (stupid autocorrect)
I do love auto-correct.:-)

Maxine is an interesting comparison. An adult as opposed to Eli the child, but
certainly under a strong influence from Huntley. Of course, had they been
married she could only be compelled to give any evidence against him in very
limited circumstances, and she certainly wouldn't be the first woman to cover
for her man.

"look love, they are asking where people were, you know I was just <insert
excuse> so say I was here, yeah? "

I wonder if she knew what he had done when she originally did? So long ago now
I forget what I read at the time.
--
kat
Post by capricorn40
^..^<
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