Visit UKSCJCPC/2018/0080
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CRIME
Director of Public Prosecutions (Respondent) v Lagesse (Appellant) (Mauritius)
Case summary
Case ID
JCPC/2018/0080
Jurisdiction
Mauritius
Parties
Appellant(s)
Lagesse
Respondent(s)
Director of Public Prosecutions
Issue
Whether the Supreme Court of Mauritius was wrong to overturn the dismissal of the charges against the appellants and to order a retrial, or whether the hearing at which it did so was unfair.
Facts
Mr Seeburrun purchased a Mercedes Benz that was imported from the UK. He was a returning citizen and could therefore benefit from a concessionary rate of excise duty. Mr Lagesse financed the purchase and used the car, but it was registered in the name of Mr Seeburrun. The appellants and another person were charged with conspiracy to do an unlawful act, namely to evade excise duty. Mr Lagesse was also charged with wilfully and unlawfully having in his possession goods on which excise duty has not been paid. Mr Seeburrun was also charged with swearing a false affidavit in civil proceedings. At trial, the Magistrate dismissed all the charges. He found that there was an agreement between the appellants, but that what they had agreed to do did not constitute an unlawful act. The Supreme Court granted the prosecution’s appeal of that dismissal and ordered a retrial.
Date of issue
24 August 2018
Judgment details
Judgment date
15 June 2020
Neutral citation
[2020] UKSC 16
Judgment links
Appeal
Justices
Hearing dates
Start date
27 April 2020
End date
27 April 2020
Watch hearings
27 April 2020 - Morning session
27 April 2020 - Afternoon session
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Last updated 9 May 2024