False Sexual Assault Allegation Ruins Man’s Life
False sexual assault allegations are rarely publicised, and no official data is collected about them. In fact, those who publicise these allegations can find themselves on the receiving end of criticism for reporting on an issue which they say pales...
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Criminal Offences in New South Wales?
Bill Cosby has returned home, after Pennsylvania’s highest court quashed his conviction for sexual assault. It’s an extraordinary turnaround for one of the most high-profile cases of the #Metoo era, causing mixed reactions and leading many to question how such...
Weinstein Faces Further Sexual Assault Charges
A New York judge has paved the way for Harvey Weinstein to be extradited from prison in New York to California to face further charges. The former Hollywood movie producer and co-founder of the Miramax film studio, which prodiced blockbusters...
Sydney Criminal Lawyer Vows to Fight Charge of Aggravated Sexual Assault
Sydney Criminal Lawyer Steven Mercael is currently on bail and continues to practise as a defence lawyer, as he awaits his trial which is scheduled to commence in February 2021. Mr Mercael’s criminal defence team applied to have his name...
Sydney Police Officer and Catholic Priest Charged with Child Abuse Material Offences
A Catholic Priest and Police Officer, both based in Sydney, have been charged with child abuse material offences after an investigation by the Professional Standards Command in May this year into data being stored on and distributed from an electronic...
Should “Affirmative Consent” Be Required Before Sexual Activity?
Clear verbal or behavioural assurances prior to sexual encounters will be mandatory under reforms to New South Wales sexual consent laws. Those who fail to obtain such assurances will face the prospect of being convicted of sexual offences. Welcomed by...
When Can a Child’s Case be Hearing in an Adult Court in New South Wales?
Barney Wakes-Miller parents have been campaigning tirelessly for modifications to cars and changes to road rules, since he was killed in a car accident in July last year. His 17 year old friend, a P-plater, is accused to have been...
Jack de Belin Not Guilty of One Count of Sexual Assault, Hung Jury on Remaining Counts
The futures of footballers Jack de Belin and Callan Sinclair remain uncertain after a jury acquitted them both of one charge of aggravated sexual assault against a woman in a Wollongong unit in December 2018, but was not able to...
Rape or Sexual Assault? What is the Correct Legal Term in New South Wales?
Yesterday’s sentencing of former football star Jarryd Hayne has triggered online debate about whether the correct description of the offence for which he was convicted is ‘rape’ or ‘sexual assault’. Mr Hayne was convicted of two counts of sexual assault,...
Sexual Assault Charges Dropped Due to Unreliability of Complainant
The prosecution has withdrawn charges of sexual assault brought against a 34-year old man, after his criminal defence lawyers proposed to present evidence in court that the 29-year old female complainant had a tendency to seek ‘retribution’ against men she...
