Ibrahim v Police

The appeal concerned convictions for indecent assault and related offences. The appellant, Ibrahim, appealed against these convictions to the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The central legal issues before the Court of Appeal involved the proper application of principles relating to the admissibility of evidence of discreditable conduct and the question of cross-admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings. The Court also considered the approach to be taken regarding corroboration and cross-examination of witnesses in such cases.

The Court of Appeal found that the approach identified by the High Court in previous decisions had not been sufficiently followed and applied by the trial court. While not detailing the specific errors, the Court indicated that issues concerning the admissibility of discreditable conduct evidence and the need for consideration of cross-admissibility would likely arise again. Consequently, the Court allowed the appeal, quashed the convictions and the sentence, and ordered a retrial before a differently constituted court.