Michael Augustine Porrier v Regina [2016] NSWDC 99

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Michael Augustine Porrier v Regina [2016] NSWDC 99 Hearing dates: 11 March, 27 May 2016 Date of orders: 09 June 2016 Decision date: 09 June 2016 Jurisdiction: Criminal Before: Judge AC Scotting Decision: The orders I make are as follows: (1) I find that the accused is not fit to be tried. (2) I refer the accused to the Mental Health Review Tribunal pursuant to section 14(a) Mental Health (Forensic Provisions Act) 1990 to determine if he is likely to become fit within 12 months. (3) The matter is adjourned to 8 June 2017 before me for mention. (4) The application for a stay is refused. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – aggravated indecent assault – homosexual intercourse MENTAL HEALTH – fitness to be tried – Presser criteria – factors – unfitness – present condition of accused – determination on balance of probabilities – onus of proof PROCEDURAL – application for stay of prosecution – discretionary power – exceptional circumstances – onus – disadvantage or prejudice – administration of justice – erosion of public confidence Legislation Cited: ss. 6, 11(1), 12(2), 12(3), 14(a) Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 s. 165B Evidence Act 1990 Cases Cited: R v Dashwood [1943] 1 KB 1 R v Presser [1958] VR 45 Ngatayi v The Queen (1980) 147 CLR 1 Barton v The Queen (1980) 147 CLR 75 Barton v Attorney-General (1987) 10 NSWLR 215 Hakim v R (1989) 41 A Crim R 372 Williams v Spautz (1992) 174 CLR 509 Walton v Gardiner (1993) 177 CLR 378 Jago v District Court (NSW) (1989) 168 CLR 23 Eastman v The Queen (2000) 203 CLR 1 Eastman v Director of Public Prosecutions (ACT) (2003) 214 CLR 318 R v Sexton (2000) 77 SASR 405 Category: Procedural and other rulings Parties: Regina (Applicant/ Respondent) Michael Augustine Porrier (Respondent/ Applicant) Representation: Counsel: Mr GR James AM QC with Mr C Parkin (Applicant) Mr B Hatfiled (Respondent)