R v Aller [2015] NSWSC 178

R v Aller [2015] NSWSC 178

On the balance of probabilities, the accused was substantially impaired in his capacity to control himself at the time of the killing due to an abnormality of mind arising from an underlying mental illness, not merely from self-induced intoxication. This substantial impairment reduces his liability from murder to manslaughter.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
24 February 2015
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Special Hearing (verdict on Charge of Murder With Alternative of Manslaughter)
Outcome
Not guilty of murder; guilty of manslaughter.
Legal Topics
['murder' 'manslaughter' 'substantial Impairment' 'mental Illness' 'criminal Responsibility']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Criminal / Special Hearing (verdict on Charge of Murder With Alternative of Manslaughter)

  1. 1 ['Whether the accused was substantially impaired by an abnormality of mind arising from an underlying condition pursuant to s 23A of the Crimes Act 1900 so as to reduce liability from murder to manslaughter.' 'Whether the effects of self-induced intoxication should be disregarded in the assessment of substantial impairment.']

Ratio Decidendi

On the balance of probabilities, the accused was substantially impaired in his capacity to control himself at the time of the killing due to an abnormality of mind arising from an underlying mental illness, not merely from self-induced intoxication. This substantial impairment reduces his liability from murder to manslaughter.

Court Disposition

Not guilty of murder; guilty of manslaughter.

Orders

  • ['The accused is found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.']