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Prosecuting Homicide

Murder and manslaughter are two of the offences that constitute homicide.

Manslaughter can be committed in one of three ways:

  1. killing with the intent for murder but where there is provocation, diminished responsibility or a suicide pact.
  2. conduct that was grossly negligent given the risk of death, and resulted in death.
  3. conduct, taking the form of an unlawful act involving a danger of some harm, that caused death.

With some exceptions, the crime of murder is committed, where a person:

  • of sound mind and discretion (i.e. sane):
  • unlawfully kills (i.e. not self-defence or other justified killing)
  • any reasonable creature (human being)
  • in being (born alive and breathing through its own lungs)
  • under the Queen's Peace
  • with intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.

There are other specific homicide offences, for example, infanticide, causing death by dangerous driving, and corporate manslaughter.

Find out more about prosecuting homicide

Home » News Centre » Press Releases » Michael Stone - Response to Full Judgement

Michael Stone - Response to Full Judgement

21/01/2005

The Appeal Court has today given its reasons for dismissing Michael Stone's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Lin and Megan Russell and attempted murder of Josie Russell in 1996.

Issued in conjuction with Kent Police

After the judgement, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Philpot said: "We are delighted with the result. The evidence in this case has been thoroughly tested over a number of years, at a number of different venues. The evidence of Damian Daley is not the only evidence in this case. For many years there has been a dedicated team of officers in this investigation and I want to take this opportunity to thank those involved for their professionalism.

"Kent Police has had tremendous support from the Crown Prosecution Service. They have stood by us throughout and we are extremely grateful for their advice and guidance, often in difficult circumstances.

"I would also like to commend the resilience and courage of Dr Shaun Russell, Josie, and Lin's parents. We hope they can now move forward with their lives."

CPS Reviewing Lawyer, Mike George said:

"The evidence in this case has been subject to Crown Court trial, two independent enquiries, and today by a detailed analysis by the Court of Appeal. At each stage the evidence has been found and confirmed to be intact throughout all of these enquiries.

"After nine years of thorough and painstaking investigation by Kent Police and the CPS, there remains no doubt of Michael Stone's guilt. It has been said that Michael Stone continues to protest his innocence, it is worth remembering, as was twice pointed out by the court of appeal today, that Michael Stone has chosen never to give evidence to support this chosen claim."