Our criminal justice system relies on the majority of defendants pleading guilty in order to avoid an enormous backlog of cases. But did you know that over half of all defendants plead guilty early on, and a further 28 per cent of end up pleading guilty at a later stage in their criminal proceedings? Only… Read more »
There are thousands-upon-thousands of types of criminal offences in NSW, and it is unlikely that there are many of us that haven’t committed a crime at some point in our lives. Many of us may have received a parking or speeding ticket, but not all offences are classified as ‘criminal’ and will lead to a… Read more »
While road rage is something we may all internally battle, one lawyer certainly didn’t manage to contain his anger after running straight into a motorcycle rider. The rider, 28-year-old Alex Chapman, had only been on his L-plates for less than one week. He was riding along the Pacific Highway when hit from behind by Murray… Read more »
The right to silence has been watered-down in recent times and it has been suggested that there are situations when exercising your right to silence might now be against your interests when it previously may not. To discuss this issue, let’s look at the changes. In 2013, an addition to the NSW Evidence Act meant… Read more »
The offender, Mahmoud Mariam, seemed to show little remorse when he was originally sentenced to at least five years and nine months behind bars in 2012. The son of Mr Knight couldn’t believe the cheering when the verdicts were handed down. He predicted that this would not be the last person to get shot in… Read more »
Despite robbery rates remaining stable throughout NSW over the past year, this has not been the case for one unfortunate sports club in the Blue Mountains, which was robbed once in the 90s, in 2001 and then again in 2013. The most recent case was finalised in the Parramatta District Court last month. The culprits,… Read more »
The NSW city of Queanbeyan recently made headlines for a serious assault offence. This city of just 37,000 people doesn’t regularly make the national news, but this time it was the scene of a particularly vicious assault. The city has a strong historical connection with alcohol and violence. From 1911 to 1928, when the sale… Read more »
Silly mistakes can have a sneaky habit of catching up with us. We’ve all done things we regret and may have even had a run in with the law. If you’ve got a criminal record, you may still be feeling its implications years down the track. Surely, you think, how can I still be paying… Read more »
You probably already know this, but just in case, glassing is where someone uses a glass/bottle as a weapon. It has unfortunately become a feature of alcohol-related violence in recent years. In fact, just after 12.30am this morning X Factor judge ‘Redfoo’ sustained a cut to his head after a man allegedly threw a glass… Read more »
During a four-year-long investigation, a complex and organised church sex ring has been uncovered. The pastor, Scott Williams ran his own church, the Christian Assemblies International but preyed on members of the congregation for his own gratification. Former members have now spoken out against the behaviour of Pastor Williams, stating that the organisation was a… Read more »