R v Drummond-Murray [2019] NSWSC 575

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: R v Drummond-Murray [2019] NSWSC 575 Hearing dates: 13 May 2019 Date of orders: 16 May 2019 Decision date: 16 May 2019 Jurisdiction: Common Law Before: Wright J Decision: 1. In respect of count 1, a special verdict that the accused is not guilty on the ground of mental illness is returned. 2. In respect of count 2, a special verdict that the accused is not guilty on the ground of mental illness is returned. 3. In respect of count 3, a special verdict that the accused is not guilty on the ground of mental illness is returned. 4. In respect of count 4, a special verdict that the accused is not guilty on the ground of mental illness is returned. 5. Pursuant to s 39(1) of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 (NSW), the accused is to be returned to his present place of custody and detained there, or at such other place as is deemed appropriate according to law, until such time as he is released by due process of law. 6. The Registrar of the Court is to notify the Minister for Health and the Mental Health Review Tribunal of these verdicts and orders. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – murder – alternatively, causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder – assaulting a police constable in the execution of her duties – stealing – defence raised of mental illness –schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder disease of the mind – unanimous opinion of experts that accused did not know actions wrong because of defect of reason from a disease of the mind – verdicts of not guilty on the ground of mental illness