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Prosecutors seek retrial for Julie Ann McIlwaine after murder conviction is quashed
Overview
Prosecutors are seeking a retrial for Julie Ann McIlwaine, whose 2025 conviction for murdering her abusive partner, James Joseph Crossley, was overturned on appeal earlier this month. McIlwaine admitted to the fatal stabbing in March 2022 but argued she suffered a temporary loss of control due to domestic abuse. While the prosecution is pushing for a retrial on the murder charge, the defence is asking the court to substitute a verdict of manslaughter. The case has been adjourned until next month.
Key points
- Prosecutors are seeking a retrial following the overturning of Julie Ann McIlwaine's murder conviction.
- McIlwaine was originally convicted in 2024 for stabbing her abusive partner, James Joseph Crossley, to death in March 2022.
- Her murder conviction was quashed after appeal judges ruled that the trial judge misdirected the jury on the legal test for loss of control.
- Defence lawyers argued that the jury was incorrectly asked if a person with similar characteristics "would" react similarly rather than "might".
- Defence counsel is asking the court to substitute a verdict of manslaughter instead of ordering a retrial.
- The case will return to court for further proceedings next month, and McIlwaine remains in custody.