Would my CCRC case have a strong chance of success?

Hi all, I’m preparing a CCRC application to challenge two drug related convictions and would appreciate advice from legal professionals or anyone with experience in this area. My convictions stem from Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) by an older close family member. Below is a brief summary to show how strong my case may be in terms of a referral and if eligible appeal.

Just to note, my conviction and arrest was in England and happened in 2019.

Convictions I want to be reviewed : 1.Possession with intent to supply cannabis (ages 15–19) . Arrested with cannabis, scales, Iphone, no cash. No previous convictions. No custodial sentence imposed. 2.Cultivation of cannabis (age 19) Caught growing a small number of plants, again no custodial sentence.

Both of these convictions happened at the same time and I admitted an early guilty plea to minimise further investigation into my family member who exploited me during my teenage years.

My grounds for why the CCRC should review my case: -CCE was not consider during at trial or plea stage. I now have strong retrospective evidence of exploitation. -New psychiatric and safeguarding evidence since the time of conviction. -Section 45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 was not explored, and no NRM referral was made despite my age and background.

Brief summary of exploitation I experienced from 14-19: -Groomed and exploited from age 14 by an older trusted adult. -Began using cannabis at 14 under the supervision of trusted adult/exploiter -Became involved in supply by 15, coerced with intimidation, threats, and debt bondage by trusted adult/exploiter which did not end until I was 19 years old. -Lived in a shared household with him during some of key years and spent a lot of time with him in his own property. -Financially dependent and emotionally manipulated due to constant cannabis drug debt. -Severe PTSD, Anxiety Disorder and depressive symptoms developed in teen years and carried on up until arrest.

Supporting evidence I’ve gathered which back my claim of CCE: -CAMHS records (ages 12–16) showing longstanding mental health issues and emotional vulnerability. -NSPCC records showing childhood S Abuse I experienced as a child. -GP records showing mental health issues from 2016-2019 -College records showing sudden drop in attendance and performance during key exploitation period. -Messages from 2017–2019 showing my active role in cannabis supply aged 16-19 -Photos & videos of cannabis and cash including a photo of cannabis on scales from age 17. -Bank statements showing consistent incoming/outgoing transfers linked to cannabis sales when I was aged 16-19. -Gmail receipts for scales bought when I was 16 years old. -Video evidence from the exploiter’s house where his voice is audible, and cannabis is visible. -Photos which feature my exploiter, myself and witnesses during the years I was exploited.

Witness statements: -A younger sibling describing home environment, my mental health, and clear coercion by older brother, debt bondage and why I couldn’t leave the circle of offending. -Ex-partner of the exploiter confirming his controlling behaviour, threats, and involvement in drug trade as well as concerns for my welfare.

Legal Framework and previous cases my CCRC case aligns well with:

-Section 45 Modern Slavery Act 2015: Defence for victims of CCE committing criminal acts under compulsion. -R v Brecani [2021] EWCA Crim 731: Highlighted the need for expert evidence and flaws in police assumptions about trafficking. -R v AAD, AAH, and AAI [2022] EWCA Crim 106: CCE can amount to a substantial injustice if not considered properly.

AI’s opinion: So far I’ve used CHATGPT to provide me with the following statistics of estimated probability of if my case is successful in passing the following stages:

CCRC referral to the Court of Appeal 85–95%

Court of Appeal quashing conviction 65–75%

I know that the outcome of CCRC cases are complex so any insight other than Ai would be great. Specifically, any information from a legal professional or pointers from others with a similar lived experience.

So the questions I want to ask are: -How strong does this case sound in terms of a realistic referral by the CCRC and a successful quash at the court of appeal? -Does the evidence I’ve gathered (photos, texts, mental health diagnosis, witness statements, bank statements) show enough proof of CCE during this time? -What other forms of evidence could help? -Any examples of similar successful appeals? -What should I do now that I’ve gathered these pieces of evidence and created my own personal statement? -I’m not eligible for legal aid, so please make suggestions on the most financially cost effective form of legal representation.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.