CLC v R

In the matter of CLC v R, the appellant sought to appeal his criminal conviction, which was based on the testimony of a child complainant. The case was heard and determined by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal. The appeal centred on the contention that the jury’s verdict was unreasonable or could not be supported by the evidence. Specifically, the appellant argued that inconsistencies in the child's evidence, as recorded in two police interviews, warranted a different outcome.

The court was required to determine whether it was appropriate to view the video recordings of the police interviews, considering the established principles set out in SKA v The Queen and SKA v R. Additionally, the court had to assess whether the verdict was unreasonable or unsupported by the evidence and whether the appellate court could entertain reasonable doubt about the appellant’s guilt. The court needed to consider the ability of the jury to weigh the child's evidence and the appellant's denials.

The Court of Criminal Appeal held that it was permissible to review the video recordings to assess the inconsistencies in the child's evidence, as per the precedents cited. The court found that the inconsistencies did not render the jury's verdict unreasonable. The evidence presented, including the child's testimony and the appellant's denials, was sufficient for the jury to conclude beyond reasonable doubt that the appellant was guilty of the offences. The court upheld the conviction, finding no basis to entertain reasonable doubt about the appellant's guilt.

No further orders were made by the court. The appeal was dismissed, and the conviction remained intact.