R v Fletcher [2019] NSWDC 587

R v Fletcher [2019] NSWDC 587

The evidence does not establish that the alleged deception was the operative cause of obtaining the financial advantage or causing the financial disadvantage, as required by s 192E(1)(b) Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The financial advantage resulted from the winning outcomes of the races, not from the deception. Therefore, a verdict of acquittal must be directed for all counts.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
22 October 2019
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Application for Directed Acquittal at Conclusion of Crown Case
Outcome
directed acquittal
Legal Topics
['fraud' 'deception' 'dishonesty' 'financial Advantage' 'directed Acquittal' 'online Betting' 'bookmakers' 'gambling']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Criminal / Application for Directed Acquittal at Conclusion of Crown Case

  1. 1 ["Whether using 'bowler' betting accounts constitutes deception under s 192E(1)(b) Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)" 'Whether deception was the operative cause of obtaining a financial advantage or causing a financial disadvantage' 'Whether sufficient evidence exists to sustain guilt for offences charged']

Ratio Decidendi

The evidence does not establish that the alleged deception was the operative cause of obtaining the financial advantage or causing the financial disadvantage, as required by s 192E(1)(b) Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The financial advantage resulted from the winning outcomes of the races, not from the deception. Therefore, a verdict of acquittal must be directed for all counts.

Court Disposition

directed acquittal

Orders

  • ['Directed verdicts of acquittal in respect of the 78 counts on the indictment']