Review of Murder Conviction for Birkenhead Man

Nicholas Curtis, who was sentenced to a minimum of 18 years in prison for the murder of Glenda Jackson in Birkenhead in 2018, is having his conviction reviewed. He was convicted alongside his brother, Stuart Curtis, following an incident that occurred after Jackson reported homophobic abuse by associates of the brothers.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has raised concerns that the trial did not adequately consider Curtis's partial defense of loss of control. During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was reported that Jackson had confronted the brothers, allegedly attacking their van with a hammer and a knife before being fatally assaulted by them.

The CCRC noted that the trial judge did not properly address whether the jury should have been allowed to consider the loss of control defense, which was not presented during the trial or appeal. The commission believes that had this defense been considered, Curtis might have been convicted of manslaughter instead of murder. The case has been referred to the Court of Appeal for further examination.