R v RM (No 4)

The case of R v RM (No 4) involved the respondent, RM, who was charged with eleven sexual offences against his biological daughter. The case came before the court as the respondent sought directed verdicts on counts 5, 6, and 10. These counts related to allegations of sexual assault, indecent assault, and sexual intercourse without consent. The central legal issues for the court were to determine the sufficiency of the Crown's case against the respondent for these particular counts and whether the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant a directed verdict in favour of the respondent.

The court found that a directed verdict could be given on count 5 as the evidence did not establish beyond reasonable doubt that the respondent sexually assaulted the victim on the specified date. On counts 6 and 10, the court concluded that the Crown had presented a prima facie case. The court found that the evidence was sufficient to establish the elements of indecent assault and sexual intercourse without consent, thus the directed verdicts were not appropriate. The court emphasised the need for a thorough examination of the evidence to ensure that the jury was properly directed on each count.

Ultimately, the court dismissed the application for directed verdicts on counts 5, 6, and 10. Count 5 was dismissed due to insufficient evidence of sexual assault, while counts 6 and 10 were retained for the jury's consideration due to the prima facie case presented by the Crown. The court's decision was based on a careful analysis of the evidence and the applicable legal standards for directed verdicts in criminal proceedings.