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R v Kurtaj: appeals by defendants unfit to plead—only appointed representatives may act; renewal of leave and central funds costs clarified (England and Wales)

Published on: 23 September 2025

Published by a LexisNexis Corporate Crime expert
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R v Kurtaj [2025] EWCA Crim 1163 What are the practical implications of this case?

This decision is essential reading for practitioners representing defendants found unfit to plead. The sole avenue of appeal for an accused in that position is through the representatives appointed by the Crown Court under the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020, SI 2020/759, r 25.10(3), to act in the substantive proceedings. A person who is unfit cannot begin or pursue an appeal in their own name, and they are unable to instruct new legal representatives. If a single judge refuses leave to appeal, the Crown Court–appointed team has authority, where counsel considers it appropriate, to renew the application before the full court; no fresh appointment is required. Should the full court grant leave, it will usually order payment from central funds to meet counsel’s fee on any ground for which leave is given. Where the full court declines leave, costs from central funds will not, as a rule, be awarded...

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