R v Agius; R v Abibadra; R v Jandagi; R v Zerafa [2011] NSWSC 367

R v Agius; R v Abibadra; R v Jandagi; R v Zerafa [2011] NSWSC 367

A single continuing conspiracy spanning two legislative regimes may legitimately be prosecuted as two counts, reflecting the time frames governed by each regime. Count 2 is not duplicitous because pleading statutory alternatives within s 135.4(5) does not equate to charging multiple offences.

Parties
Prosecutor: Regina (Crown); Defendant: Robert Francis Agius; Defendant: Carol Abibadra; Defendant: Deborah Judith Jandagi; Defendant: Kevin Zerafa
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
04 May 2011
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Interlocutory Application
Outcome
Applications for stay refused.
Legal Topics
Conspiracy to Defraud the Commonwealth, Duplicity, Statutory Interpretation, Transitional Provisions

Case Brief

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Parties

Regina (Crown)

Prosecutor

Robert Francis Agius

Defendant

Carol Abibadra

Defendant

Deborah Judith Jandagi

Defendant

Kevin Zerafa

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Interlocutory Application

  1. 1 Whether a permanent stay should be granted on count 2 of indictment alleging conspiracy under Criminal Code Act 1995
  2. 2 Whether count 2 of indictment is duplicitous under s 135.4(5) of the Criminal Code

Ratio Decidendi

A single continuing conspiracy spanning two legislative regimes may legitimately be prosecuted as two counts, reflecting the time frames governed by each regime. Count 2 is not duplicitous because pleading statutory alternatives within s 135.4(5) does not equate to charging multiple offences.

Court Disposition

Applications for stay refused.

Orders

  • Permanent stay of count 2 refused.
  • Claims for duplicity rejected.