Can Bail Be Given?

[Halifaxmum]

If someone has been charged with murder, can bail be given in any circumstances?

The accused is of previous good character, no previous offences, a one-off fight resulted in the death.

Thank you.

[Halifaxmum]

Death occurred the day after the fight.

[EDDIE51]

No bail for murder as far as I know. The accused will be held in custody until the trial.

[Peter Pedant]

see

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/a_to_c/bail/#b05

and scroll down to Bail for Murderers

basically no


I dont think bail is the main problem

[EDDIE51]

Thanks PP that is what I thought , bail for murder can only be granted by a high court judge. Bail hearings are normally heard by magistrates.

[Halifaxmum]

Thank you pp and eddie

[sandyRoe]

Is it likely the charge eventually will be reduced to manslaughter?

[Buenchico]

The first hearing of any case is always before a magistrates' court and magistrates may not grant bail to a person charged with murder. However any bail application then has to be heard within 48 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) by a judge in the Crown Court.

Sections 114 and 115 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 are applicable
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/25/part/3/chapter/5/crossheading/bail
together with Schedule 1 of the Bail Act 1976:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1976/63/schedules

So it's possible for a person charged with murder to be granted bail (but probably still fairly unusual). To prove that it does happen though, here's an example:
http://www.stratford-herald.com/36518-familys-tribute-to-fatal-stabbing-victim.html

[Halifaxmum]

PP, what do you mean by "bail is not the main problem" or is that rhetorical?

[Halifaxmum]

Thank you chris

Sandy, it may be the case, murder would have to be proven in the milli second before a punch which was thrown as a response to a punch thrown by the victim.

[Peter Pedant]

main problem is defending the murder charge

[EDDIE51]

More than in any other post I have ever seen on AB this person needs a good solicitor. Has the defendant got legal help? if not get it NOW!

[EDDIE51]

Remember murder is a compulsory life sentence !!!!

[Peter Pedant]

and Eddie is not being rhetorical ! ! !

[ the someone has got a lawyer hasnt he ? you cant be using us as your main legal source, can you ]