Champion v R [2020] NSWDC 929

Champion v R [2020] NSWDC 929

The appellant intentionally or recklessly made shoulder contact with the complainant without consent and without lawful excuse. The complainant was not threatening the appellant, and any alleged obstruction of the footpath did not justify the appellant committing an assault. The four elements of common assault were established, so the conviction appeal failed.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
22 September 2020
Procedural Posture
Criminal Conviction Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction Recorded in the Downing Centre Local Court
Outcome
The appeal is dismissed.
Legal Topics
['common Assault' 'battery' 'self Defence' 'lawful Excuse' 'conviction Appeal']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Criminal Conviction Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction Recorded in the Downing Centre Local Court

  1. 1 ['Whether the four elements of common assault were proved beyond reasonable doubt.' 'Whether the appellant had a lawful excuse for shouldering or pushing the complainant because the complainant was allegedly obstructing the footpath.' 'Whether self-defence was available where the complainant was standing on the footpath and offered no threat to the appellant.']

Ratio Decidendi

The appellant intentionally or recklessly made shoulder contact with the complainant without consent and without lawful excuse. The complainant was not threatening the appellant, and any alleged obstruction of the footpath did not justify the appellant committing an assault. The four elements of common assault were established, so the conviction appeal failed.

Court Disposition

The appeal is dismissed.

Orders

  • ['The appeal is dismissed.']