Where a defendant had a prior caution a court was not bound to give the good character direction in R. v Martin (David) (2000) 2 Cr App R 42 but had a discretion in that regard. It was difficult to criticise a judge's decision not to give a good character direction in circumstances where the offence charged related to the importation of cocaine and the defendant had a prior caution for possession of another drug.

[2005] EWCA Crim 3159