R v MD [2016] NSWSC 1286

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: R v MD [2016] NSWSC 1286 Hearing dates: 14 September 2016 Decision date: 14 September 2016 Before: R A Hulme J Decision: Not guilty by reason of mental illness Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – murder – deceased infant daughter of accused – judge alone trial – not disputed that deliberate act of the accused caused the death – where sole issue is defence of mental illness – expert evidence unanimously indicates defence available – accused suffered from major depressive illness with psychotic features – not guilty by reason of mental illness Legislation Cited: Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 (NSW) s 15A Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) s 132 Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 (NSW) ss 38, 39(1) Cases Cited: Hawkins v The Queen (1994) 179 CLR 500; [1994] HCA 28 Kesavarajah v The Queen (1994) 181 CLR 230; [1994] HCA 41 Mizzi v The Queen (1960) 105 CLR 659; [1960] HCA 77 R v Falconer (1990) 171 CLR 30; [1990] HCA 49 R v M'Naghten (1843) 8 ER 718 R v Minani (2005) 63 NSWLR 490; [2005] NSWCCA 226 R v Porter (1933) 55 CLR 182; [1933] HCA 1 R v Presser [1958] VR 45 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Regina MD Representation: Counsel: Mr L Carr (Crown) Ms J Manuell SC (Accused)

Solicitors: Solicitor for Public Prosecutions Oxford Lawyers File Number(s): 2015/217607