Connor v Commissioner of Police

In Connor v Commissioner of Police, the applicant, Mr Connor, appealed against his conviction and sentence following a break-in at a bottle shop where a significant quantity of goods was stolen. The case was heard in the Supreme Court of Queensland. The applicant's primary contention was that the trial judge had erred in finding that the circumstantial evidence was sufficient to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the acts in question. The applicant also argued that his alibi evidence was cogent and that the conviction was unreasonable.

The court was required to determine whether the appeal period, which had expired over six years prior, could be extended. The applicant's argument for an extension was based on the weakness of the evidence presented at trial and the alleged cogency of his alibi. The court examined the sufficiency of the circumstantial evidence and the credibility of the alibi evidence. The court also considered the statutory provisions governing the appeal period and the principles of fairness and justice.

The court found that the appeal period had indeed expired and that there were no exceptional circumstances to warrant an extension. The court held that the circumstantial evidence was sufficient to support the conviction and that the alibi evidence was not cogent. The court concluded that the conviction was reasonable and that there was no basis for extending the appeal period. The court dismissed the application for an extension of time and made no order as to costs.