CCTV footage showing a vehicle consistent with the accused's vehicle at a location on the route of the offending is a 'strand in a cable' rather than a 'link in a chain' where the Crown case does not depend on proving the vehicle's identity beyond reasonable doubt. No Shepherd direction is required in such circumstances. The Bench Book provides useful suggestions for circumstantial evidence directions but does not prescribe mandatory language. Where a co-offender's appeal against sentence is pending, leave to appeal on parity grounds should be refused rather than the appeal dismissed, to preserve the right to seek reconsideration.
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