R v D [2011] NSWDC 73

R v D [2011] NSWDC 73

Given the accused's age (14), absence of a support person, previous exercise of right to silence, and the special relationship with the teacher, it would be unfair to use either set of admissions made to the teacher in evidence; both are excluded under s 90 Evidence Act 1995.

Parties
Prosecutor: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Accused: D
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
31 May 2011
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Pre Trial Ruling (admissibility of Evidence)
Outcome
Admissions excluded (evidence ruled inadmissible)
Legal Topics
Admissibility of Admissions, Unfairness Discretion, Children in Criminal Proceedings, Support Persons for Children, Relationship of Trust (teacher/student)

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Prosecutor

D

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Pre Trial Ruling (admissibility of Evidence)

  1. 1 Whether admissions made by a 14-year-old accused to his teacher are admissible under s 90 of the Evidence Act 1995 given circumstances including a lack of support person and the relationship between teacher and student

Ratio Decidendi

Given the accused's age (14), absence of a support person, previous exercise of right to silence, and the special relationship with the teacher, it would be unfair to use either set of admissions made to the teacher in evidence; both are excluded under s 90 Evidence Act 1995.

Court Disposition

Admissions excluded (evidence ruled inadmissible)

Orders

  • The admissions made by the accused to the teacher on 17 November 2010 are excluded from evidence.