Criminal Cases Review Commission referral of convictions for kidnapping, threatening to kill and conversion of motor vehicle – procedure when considering a reference by the commission – is an extension of time to appeal required? – setting aside a conviction following a guilty plea

Edwards v R [2025] NZCA 458

Frankie Edwards was charged with 34 offences stemming from five incidents in Auckland between 9 April and 2 June 2006. 

Three charges related to an incident in Epsom on 10 April 2006. The Crown case was that Edwards approached the female victim as she was getting into her parked car, got into the passenger seat and, whilst armed with a knife, threatened to kill her family if she did not follow his instructions. The victim managed to escape from her car at a traffic light. The Crown alleged Edwards then drove the car away. Consequently, Edwards was charged with kidnapping, threatening to kill, and converting a motor vehicle.