R v George Tannous [2016] NSWSC 330

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: R v George Tannous [2016] NSWSC 330 Hearing dates: 10 March 2016 Date of orders: 10 March 2016 Decision date: 29 March 2016 Jurisdiction: Common Law Before: Mathews AJ Decision: I enter a verdict that the accused George Tannous is not guilty of murder by reason of mental illness. (1) I order that he be detained at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) or at such other place as may be determined from time to time by the Mental Health Review Tribunal, until released by due process of law. (2) I direct the Registrar of the Court to notify the Minister for Health of this judgment and order. (3) I direct the Registrar of the Court to notify the Mental Health Review Tribunal of this judgment and to provide to that Tribunal the following documentation: (a) A transcript of these proceedings; (b) A copy of each of the exhibits tendered at the trial as well as the crown submissions; (c) A copy of my reasons for verdict and orders once they are delivered. (4) I will deliver my reasons at a later date. Catchwords: Murder; judge alone trial; defence of mental illness; special verdict – not guilty on the ground of mental illness Legislation Cited: Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 Cases Cited: Hawkins v The Queen [1994] HCA 28; 179 CLR 500 The King v Porter [1933] HCA 1; 55 CLR 182 R v McNaghten (1842) 8 ER 718 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Regina (Crown) George Tannous (Accused) Representation: Counsel: T Thorpe (Crown P Lange (Accused)