R v Dawson

[2022] NZHC 433

IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND DUNEDIN REGISTRY

I TE KŌTI MATUA O AOTEAROA ŌTEPOTI ROHE

CRI-2019-063-000630

[2022] NZHC 433

THE QUEEN

v

ALISHA CHERIE DAWSON

Hearing:

On the papers

Appearances:

R D Smith for the Crown

J A Westgate for the Defendant

Judgment:

11 March 2022

JUDGMENT OF NATION J

[1]                 On 5 December 2019, I sentenced Ms Dawson after she had accepted a sentence indication to a charge of being an accessory after the fact to the murder of Brent Bacon. Mr Bacon was killed by Ms Dawson’s husband, John Kenneth Collins.

[2]                 At the time of Ms Dawson’s sentencing, Mr Collins was still to stand trial on the charge of murder which he faced.

[3]                 On sentencing Ms Dawson, I made orders for the suppression of a number of matters referred to in my sentencing remarks. I stated those orders for suppression were to continue until after the end of the proceedings concerning Mr Collins. They were made to protect Mr Collins’ fair trial rights.

R v DAWSON [2022] NZHC 433 [11 March 2022]

[4]                 Mr Collins was found guilty of murder on 2 March 2021. He was sentenced for that murder on 7 May 2021.

[5]                 I formally record and order that the suppression orders I made on sentencing Ms Dawson on 5 December 2019 are now at an end.

Solicitors:

RPB Law, Dunedin

John Westgate, Barrister, Dunedin.