R v Cameron

This appeal involves consideration of the use of "scenario" evidence in the criminal process. The appellant is charged with the murder of Balwinder Singh. He challenges the admissibility of statements he made to an undercover police officer, to police officers, and in a video-taped interview. The High Court found some of the statements were admissible and some were not. The appellant sought leave to appeal. The Court of Appeal granted leave and dismissed the appeal. The Court of Appeal considered the admissibility of the statements made to the undercover officer and in the video-taped interview. The Court was satisfied that the statements were not obtained in circumstances that were likely to adversely affect their reliability and that they were properly obtained in accordance with the law. The Court also considered whether there was a breach of the appellant's rights to silence and to a lawyer. The Court concluded that there were breaches of those rights but that they did not affect the admissibility of the statements. Finally, the Court considered the fairness of the "scenario" technique and whether it should only be used as a last resort. The Court concluded that it was not unfair for the police to use the technique at the stage in the investigation when they did.