R v BA [2021] NSWCCA 191

Court of Criminal Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: R v BA [2021] NSWCCA 191 Hearing dates: 12 March 2021 Date of orders: 20 August 2021 Decision date: 20 August 2021 Before: Brereton JA at [1]; Fullerton J at [37]; Adamson J at [47]. Decision: (1) Pursuant to s 107(5) of the Crimes (Appeal and Review) Act 2001 (NSW), quash the acquittal of the respondent on the charge of break and enter and commit serious indictable offence (intimidation) in circumstances of aggravation (use of corporal violence) contrary to s 112(2) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) which was ordered by direction of Williams SC DCJ on 8 September 2020. (2) Order, pursuant to s 107(6) of the Crimes (Appeal and Review) Act 2001 (NSW), that there be a retrial of the respondent. Catchwords: CRIME – Appeals – Appeal against directed acquittal – Property offences – Break, enter, and commit serious indictable offence – Forcible break – Accused a tenant of property under residential tenancy agreement but no longer an occupant – Whether prosecution required to negative legal right to enter – Acquittal quashed – Retrial ordered LEASES AND TENANCIES – Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) – Rights and obligations of landlords and tenants – Whether Tenant's obligation not to cause or permit damage to premises negatives right of entry CRIME – Appeals – Appeal against directed acquittal – Residual discretion to dismiss Crown appeal notwithstanding material error – Public interest – Precedential value – Reflection of total criminality – Crown not responsible for error – Discretion not exercised Legislation Cited: Crimes (Appeal and Review) Act 2001 (NSW), ss 104, 107, 195 Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), ss 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 Criminal Appeal Act 1912 (NSW), s 5D Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), ss 418, 419 Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW), s 166 Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), s 51 Cases Cited: Barker v R (1983) 153 CLR 338; [1983] HCA 18 Cain v New South Wales Land and Housing Corporation (2014) 86 NSWLR 1; [2014] NSWCA 28 CMB v Attorney General for New South Wales (2015) 256 CLR 346; [2015] HCA 9 DK v Director of Public Prosecutions [2021] NSWCA 134 Ghamrawi v R (2017) 95 NSWLR 405; [2017] NSWCCA 195 Halley v R (1938) 40 WALR 105 Pearson v R (1910) 4 Cr App R 40 R v Boyle [1954] 2 QB 292; 2 All ER 721 R v Galea (1989) 1 WAR 450; [1989] WASC 512 R v Haines and Harrison (1821) Russ & Ry 451; 168 ER 892 R v Hyams (1836) 7 C & P 441; 173 ER 196 R v Johnson (1786) 2 East PC 448 R v Johnston [1973] Qd R 303 R v Lackey [1954] Crim LR 57 R v Lazarus (2017) 270 A Crim R 378; [2017] NSWCCA 279 R v Lopatta (1983) 35 SASR 101 R v PL (2009) 199 A Crim R 199; [2009] NSWCCA 256 R v Rigney [1996] 1 Qd R 551; [1995] QCA 571 R v Robinson (1831) 1 Mood CC 327; 168 ER 1290 R v Rodley [1913] 3 KB 468; [1911-13] All ER Rep 688 R v Russell (1833) 1 Mood CC 377; 168 ER 1310 R v Shillingsworth [2003] NSWCCA 272 R v Smith (1827) 1 Mood CC 178; 168 ER 1232 R v Walker (1978) 19 SASR 532 R v Williams (1917) 12 Cr App R 11 R v Williams [1988] 1 Qd R 289 Singh v R (2019) 278 A Crim R 103; [2019] NSWCCA 110 Texts Cited: JW Cecil Turner, Russell on Crime (12th edition, 1964, Stevens & Sons Ltd) Category: Principal judgment Parties: Regina (Appellant) BA (Respondent) Representation: Counsel: B Baker (Appellant) S Odgers SC (Respondent)