R v Abrahams [2013] NSWSC 729

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: R v Abrahams [2013] NSWSC 729 Hearing dates: 3 June 2013 Decision date: 07 June 2013 Before: Harrison J Decision: Application for a trial by judge order pursuant to s 132(1) Criminal Procedure Act 1986 is dismissed Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW - application by accused for trial by judge alone - charge of murder - plea of guilty to manslaughter - issue of intent the only substantial issue - significant and widespread pre-trial publicity and Internet activity of a vile, hateful and intemperate nature about the accused - whether fair trial possible - whether trial by judge alone in the interests of justice - natural prejudice arising from nature of case - whether evidence so graphic that no jury could fail to be adversely affected - whether trial judge's directions adequate and sufficient to cure perceived or anticipated prejudice Legislation Cited: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 Criminal Procedure Act 1986 Cases Cited: AK v The State of Western Australia [2008] HCA 8; (2008) 232 CLR 438 Arthurs v The State of Western Australia [2007] WASC 182 Gilbert v The Queen [2000] HCA 15; (2000) 201 CLR 414 Long v R [2002] QSC 054; (2002) 128 A Crim R 11 Pambula District Hospital v Herriman (1988) 14 NSWLR 387 R v Belghar [2012] NSWCCA 86; (2012) 217 A Crim R 1 R v Bell (NSWCCA 8 October 1998, unreported) R v Burrell [2004] NSWCCA 185 R v D'Arcy [2003] QCA 124; (2003) 140 A Crim R 303 R v Dean [2013] NSWSC 661 R v Dudko [2002] NSWCCA 336; (2002) 132 A Crim R 371 R v Glennon [1992] HCA 16; (1992) 173 CLR 592 R v Jamal [2008] NSWCCA 177; (2008) 72 NSWLR 258 R v Milat (NSWCCA 26 February 1998, unreported) R v Richards [1999] NSWCCA 114; (1999) 107 A Crim R 318 R v Sean Lee King [2013] NSWSC 448 R v Stanley [2013] NSWCCA 124 Category: Procedural and other rulings Parties: Regina (Crown) Kristi Anne Abrahams (Accused) Representation: Counsel: C Maxwell QC (Crown) J Manuell SC (Accused) Solicitors: Solicitor for Public Prosecutions (Crown) Armstrong Legal (Accused) File Number(s): 2011/133212