Following a Valentine’s Ball in Standerton on 18 February 2003, two violent assaults occurred. The appellant, a 22-year-old contractor, was charged with the murder of Joey Grey and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Adriaan Oosthuizen. The State’s case on the murder charge included an eyewitness who identified the appellant as part of a group that dragged the deceased from his room and assaulted him, medical evidence establishing death from a head injury, a statement made by the appellant to a magistrate, and the appellant’s pointing out of an iron bar. Written statements were admitted in respect of the assault charge. The appellant did not testify and led no evidence. He was convicted on both counts. After conviction, the trial court refused a postponement sought to consult an expert for purposes of mitigation of sentence and imposed life imprisonment for murder under the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, and one year’s imprisonment for the assault. The appellant sought leave to appeal, special entries alleging irregularities, and leave to adduce further evidence.