State of Queensland v Cannon

The State of Queensland brought proceedings against Mr Cannon under the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002 (Qld), seeking an order that Mr Cannon pay to the State the proceeds of his illegal activity. The court was required to determine whether evidence from witnesses who were also involved in methylamphetamine production and trafficking, and who received reduced sentences for their cooperation, could be relied upon. Additionally, the court needed to ascertain whether Mr Cannon engaged in "serious crime related activity" as defined in the Act, and if so, to assess the proceeds of his illegal activity.

The court addressed the issue of witness credibility, acknowledging the respondents' concerns about the reliability of the witnesses due to their own criminal involvement. Despite these concerns, the court found that the evidence provided by these witnesses was reliable and could be relied upon. The court then considered whether Mr Cannon's activities constituted a "serious crime related activity" as defined in the Act. The court found that Mr Cannon's trafficking in methylamphetamine did indeed amount to such activity. The method of assessing the proceeds of illegal activity was also considered, with the court ultimately determining the value of the proceeds.

The court ordered that Mr Cannon pay to the State of Queensland the sum of $4,200,000, representing the proceeds of his illegal activity. The court also ordered that the State of Queensland submit minutes of the order.