The Judge of Appeal has refused permission to appeal a ruling concerning the legality of mutual legal assistance between the Isle of Man and the UK.
The case, brought by Paul Bell, challenged the Solicitor General’s decision to respond to International Letters of Request (ILORs) from UK authorities under Operation Bannock.
Mr Bell’s advocate argued that the Attorney General’s prerogative powers, not statute, should govern non-coercive ILORs.
However, Justice Anthony Cross KC upheld the earlier decision by First Deemster Andrew Corlett, ruling that the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (CJA) comprehensively regulates the process, including the receipt and execution of ILORs.
The court found no ambiguity in the law and dismissed claims that the 1959 Convention or Harare Scheme applied to the Isle of Man as a separate state.
The court also rejected Mr Bell’s argument that the First Deemster failed to properly consider binding authorities, noting the clarity of the legislation.
Mr Bell, who faces trial in Liverpool this October, sought judicial review over the handling of evidence shared between Isle of Man and UK investigators. The court concluded there was no “real prospect” of success for his appeal.
Ancillary applications may be filed within 14 days, but no further hearings are expected. The ruling reinforces the primacy of statute in mutual legal assistance, clarifying the Isle of Man’s legal framework for international cooperation.
This follows a previous ruling in January.
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