Felicity Gerry KC Granted Leave to Appeal on Rap Music and Gang Evidence

Dr Felicity Gerry KC granted leave to appeal on use of rap music and “gang affiliation” evidence on behalf of young man convicted of “joint enterprise” murder.

Dr Felicity Gerry KC has been granted leave to appeal in a case raising important concerns about the prejudicial use of police evidence said to suggest gang affiliation, and the admission of a rap video at trial. The appeal concerns a young man convicted of murder under what is known as “joint enterprise”, where the appellant argues that the evidence risked unfairly shaping the jury’s view of his character and association.

The case is likely to add to the growing debate over how courts treat rap music and alleged gang evidence in criminal trials, particularly where questions of race, stereotyping, and fairness arise. It will be heard alongside 3 connected cases referred by the CCRC and a 4th unrelated case where the same issues arise.

At a directions hearing on 18 June 2026 the Court of Appeal granted leave on 3 grounds and referred a 4th ground to the full court. There will be a further directions hearing later in 2026.

You can read more here (her client is Durrell Ford).