UQ v The Queen

The appeal concerned a conviction for multiple sexual offences involving several complainants. The appellant, UQ, sought to appeal against this conviction. The appeal was heard by Murrell CJ, Burns and Wigney JJ.

The central legal issues before the Court of Appeal were whether the prosecution had improperly invited the jury to speculate about the complainants' motives to lie, and whether the trial judge had failed to provide an adequate direction to the jury regarding the onus of proof in relation to any alleged motive to lie. The Court was also required to consider whether these issues, if established, amounted to a substantial miscarriage of justice.

The Court of Appeal considered the cross-examination of the complainants regarding their alleged motives to lie and the directions given by the trial judge. After reviewing the evidence and submissions, the Court concluded that there was no substantial miscarriage of justice. Leave to appeal was granted, but the appeal itself was dismissed.