Application for bail pending appeal following manslaughter conviction. Self defence issue. Appeal found not to be frivolous, and the accused would surrender himself in custody. Issue as to whether detention was necessary in the public interest.
Held: Bail denied.
“The public’s respect for the administration of justice would be diminished if a court released a person convicted of a serious criminal offence, pending appeal, unless it was more likely than not that his appeal would succeed.” In a serious case, bail should be granted only in meritorious cases, meaning: “if it is more likely than not that [the appeal] will succeed.”
M. Duckett, Defence Counsel