R v Iusi Afele [2014] NSWSC 366

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: R v Iusi Afele [2014] NSWSC 366 Hearing dates: 31 March 2014 Decision date: 02 April 2014 Before: Bellew J Decision: (1) I find the accused Iusi Afele not guilty of the murder of Steven Chesworth, on the grounds of mental illness. (2) I order that the accused be detained, pursuant to s 39 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990, in an appropriate correctional centre, or in such facility as the Mental Health Review Tribunal may determine, until he is released by due process of law. (3) I direct the Registrar to notify the Minister for Health and the Mental Health Review Tribunal of the orders I have made. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW - Murder - Where accused diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia - Where defence of mental illness raised - Where defence made out on the balance of probabilities - Accused not guilty on the grounds of mental illness Legislation Cited: Criminal Procedure Act 1986 Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 Cases Cited: Mizzi v R (1960) 105 CLR 659 R v Ayoub [1984] 2 NSWLR 511 R v Coleman [2010] NSWSC 177 R v Falconer (1990) 171 CLR 30 R v Jenkins [1964] NSWR 721; (1963) 64 SR (NSW) 20; 81 WN (Pt 2) (NSW) 44 R v Kemp [1957] 1 QB 399 R v Kesavarajah (1994) 74 A Crim R 100 R v McDonald [2012] NSWSC 875 R v McNaghton (1843) 8 ER 718 R v Michaux [1984] 2 Qd R 159; 13 A Crim R 173 R v Porter (1933) 55 CLR 182 R v Presser [1958] VR 45 R v S [1979] 2 NSWLR 1 Stapleton v R (1952) 86 CLR 358 Taylor v R (1978) 45 FLR 343; 22 ALR 599 Tumanako v R (1992) 64 A Crim R 149 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Regina - Crown Iusi Afele - Accused Representation: Counsel: Ms M Cinque - Crown Mr E Wilson SC - Accused Solicitors: Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) - Crown Legal Aid NSW - Accused File Number(s): 2013/67850 Publication restriction: Nil