R v Perrine (No 2)

In the case of R v Perrine (No 2), the accused was charged with contravening section 166 of the Electricity Supply Act 1995 by using or consuming electricity without authority. The dispute arose from the accused's installation of an illegal bypass device that allowed the use of metered electricity without payment. The case was heard by the Supreme Court of Queensland.

The legal issues the court had to determine were whether the accused had the requisite intention to commit the offence of using electricity without authority, and whether the accused acted under duress. The court examined whether the accused had the intention to use the electricity without authority, and whether the accused's actions were compelled by duress.

The court found that the accused did not have the requisite intention to commit the offence of using electricity without authority. The court found that the accused acted under duress, and that the accused's actions were compelled by the financial hardship caused by the high cost of electricity. The court held that duress was a complete defence to the offence. The court acquitted the accused of the offence.

The court ordered that the accused be found not guilty of the offence of using or consuming electricity without authority under section 64 of the Electricity Supply Act 1995.