27 Nov 1986
Convictions quashed because the evidence, including the appellant's cautioned statement, did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that he knew the others had weapons or shared an intention to cause grievous bodily harm, and therefore lacked the requisite mens rea for the offences charged.
10 Feb 1975
The Full Court held the original sentences were manifestly excessive in the light of (a) the need to assess the offence on its actual character rather than over-emphasising the original attempted murder charge, and (b) comparative sentencing considerations and mitigation; it substituted reduced terms of five years for the first appellant and six years for the second, the one year differential properly reflecting the first appellant's surrender and cooperation with police.
15 Aug 1972
The sentences were upheld because the sentencing judge properly considered relevant mitigating factors (age, first offending, injury), applied concurrent sentences and there were no grounds to interfere; therefore leave to appeal against sentence was dismissed.
20 Mar 1971
The appeal was dismissed because the jury could reasonably have accepted the appellant's cautioned statement admitting stabbing and rejected the deceased's dying declaration about the fatal blow; given expert evidence that death was due to a blunt instrument or a fall, the jury could logically acquit of murder (no proof appellant caused the lethal blow) yet convict of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; inclusion of a lesser alternative count was permissible though Crown counsel should have explained its purpose to the jury, and the verdict was not disturbed as it was reasonab…