R v Knights [2020] NSWDC 225

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: R v Knights [2020] NSWDC 225 Hearing dates: 21 January 2020 - 22 January 2020 Date of orders: 22 January 2020 Decision date: 22 January 2020 Jurisdiction: Criminal Before: Judge W Hunt Decision: Mr Knights is not guilty by reason of his mental illness. I am satisfied that Mr Knights suffered from a disease of the mind that excuses him from criminal liability. In relation to Count 1 I make a special verdict pursuant to s28 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act. Possess prohibited weapon – the offender is sentenced under s10A Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act – convicted with no further penalty Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – Judgment – Judge alone trial - Endeavour to solicit murder – Persuade a person or persons unknown to murder a New South Wales police officer - Ongoing negative agenda in relation to the New South Wales Police and other justice officials - Criminal responsibility – Actus reus – Mental element - Mental Illness – Reliance on the mental illness defence. – Possess "bullet proof" vest Legislation Cited: Crimes Act, 1900 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act, 1995 Criminal Procedure Act, 1986 Mental Health (Criminal Procedure) Act, 1990 Weapons Prohibition Act, 1998 Cases Cited: Hawkins v R [1994] HCA 28; (1994) 179 CLR 500; (1994) 122 ALR 27; (1994) 68 ALJR 572; (1994) 72 A Crim R 288 (29 June 1994) R v Azari (No 1) [2017] NSWSC 404 R v Issa (unreported ) NSWSC 25 October 1995 Category: Principal judgment Parties: The Crown Keith Knights Representation: Counsel: C McPherson – the Crown J Watts – the Offender