Regina v Smit & Ors [2004] NSWCCA 409

New South Wales Court of Criminal Appeal

CITATION : Regina v Smit & Ors [2004] NSWCCA 409 HEARING DATE(S) : 13/10/04 JUDGMENT DATE : 3 December 2004

JUDGMENT OF : Grove J at 1; James J at 92; Hoeben J at 93 DECISION : In each appeal, appeal allowed, conviction and sentence quashed and a new trial ordered.

CATCHWORDS : CRIMINAL LAW: murder convictions - jury question as to manslaughter - were particular accused aware of intention of person who did act to kill or cause grievous bodily harm - need for Stokes v Gifford direction - were separate trials required - incorrect submission by Crown - direction required - false alibi - consciousness of guilt. LEGISLATION CITED : Criminal Appeal Act 1912 Apted v The Queen (1981) 5 A Crim R 141 Edwards v The Queen (1993) 178 CLR 193 Palmer v The Queen (1998) 193 CLR 1 Pemble v The Queen (1971) 124 CLR 107 R v Baartman (unreported NSWCCA 6.10.94) R v Black (unreported NSWCCA 17.2.92) R v Chami and Sheikh (2002) 128 A Crim R 428 CASES CITED : R v E (1996) 39 NSWLR 450 R v Fernando & Anor [1999] NSWCCA 96 R v Harrol (1996) 2 Cr App R 457 R v Middis (unreported NSWSC 27.3.91) R v Skaf & Ors [2004] NSWCCA 74 R v Stokes & Gifford (1991) 51 A Crim R 25 Shepherd v The Queen (1990) 170 CLR 573 Webb & Anor v The Queen (1993) 181 CLR 41 Wilde v The Queen (1998) 164 CLR 365 Crown - Respondent PARTIES : Steven Charles Smit - Appellant Shiree Anne Smit - Appellant Donna Clare Tarrant - Appellant FILE NUMBER(S) : CCA 2004/1831; 2004/1766; 2004/2388 D Arnott - Crown COUNSEL : A Haesler SC - Appellant Shiree Smith C B Craigie SC - Appellant Steven Smith S Odgers SC - Appellant Donna Tarrant S Kavanagh, Solicitor for Public Prosecutions - Crown SOLICITORS : Ferns Aubrey Mitchell - Appellant Shiree Smith North & Badgery - Appellant Steven Smith C Hunter - Appellant Donna Tarrant