KING v COLLINS [2007] NSWCA 122

New South Wales Court of Appeal

CITATION: KING v COLLINS [2007] NSWCA 122

HEARING DATE(S): 12 February 2007

JUDGMENT DATE: 25 May 2007

JUDGMENT OF: Mason P at 1; Santow JA at 2; Basten JA at 3

DECISION: 1. Allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the District Court delivered on 15 February 2006; 2. Remit the matter for a new trial in the District Court on all the issues; 3. Order that the costs of the first trial abide the outcome of the retrial; 4. Order that the Respondent pay the Appellant's costs of the appeal; 5. Grant the Respondent a certificate under the Suitors' Fund Act 1951 (NSW), if not precluded by s 6(7).

CATCHWORDS: APPEAL – adverse credibility finding – whether substantial wrong or miscarriage of justice occasioned – application of Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW), s 75A and Supreme Court Rules, Part 51 r 23 - EVIDENCE – Jones v Dunkel inference – the plaintiff's evidence rejected as implausible or incredible – whether "no evidence" to support a necessary inference – compartmentalising evidence - need to consider cumulative effect, even if parts carried little weight – failure to call relevant witnesses

Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW), ss 3, 4 Road Transport (General) Act 1999 (NSW) LEGISLATION CITED: Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1997 (NSW) Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW), s 75A Supreme Court Rules 1970, Part 51, r 23 Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)

Boston Clothing Co Pty Ltd v Margaronis (1992) 27 NSWLR 580 Davis v Council of the City of Wagga Wagga [2004] NSWCA 34 CASES CITED: Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298 Mastronardi v State of New South Wales [2007] NSWCA 54 Schellenberg v Tunnel Holdings Pty Ltd (1999) 200 CLR 121