The High Court allows the CDPP’s appeal in a case involving a conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs: the decision in Kola

Location
2024

Partner Agency: South Australia Police

On 17 April 2024, the High Court handed down judgment in the matter of Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) v Kola [2024] HCA 14. In doing so, the Court unanimously allowed the CDPP’s appeal. The case concerned elements and directions that are permissible in conspiracy cases, and also the operation of the co-conspirators’ rule.  

Enhancing the CDPP’s legal practice

The Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) Raelene Sharp KC confirmed that on 1 June 2024, Warren Day will join the CDPP on secondment for 6 months, as the Director’s Executive Officer. 

Mr Day will assist the Director to design and implement a program of work to review the practicing model, and other areas of the CDPP, with a view to enhancing and modernising the CDPP’s legal practice.

CDPP successfully prosecutes fraudulent claims for Queensland disaster relief payments

Location
2024

Date of Judgment: 21 December 2023

Court: District Court of Queensland

Partner Agency: Services Australia

On 8 December 2020, Mr Henery Baranaba Nghath of Redbank QLD, was charged with 5 offences of defrauding the Commonwealth of $94,777.82 by fraudulently claiming disaster recovery payments. 

High Court hands down decision on mandatory minimum sentencing provisions for Commonwealth child sexual abuse offences

High Court hands down decision on mandatory minimum sentencing provisions for Commonwealth child sexual abuse offences

On 13 March 2024, the High Court unanimously dismissed both Mr Hurt’s and Mr Delzotto’s appeals and confirmed the CDPP’s approach to the mandatory minimum sentencing provisions in ss 16AAA, 16AAB and 16AAC of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).

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High Court hands down decision on mandatory minimum sentencing provisions for Commonwealth child sexual abuse offences

Location
2024

On 13 March 2024, the High Court handed down judgment in the matters of Hurt v R; Delzotto v R [2024] HCA 8. In doing so, the Court unanimously dismissed both Mr Hurt’s and Mr Delzotto’s appeals and confirmed the CDPP’s approach to the mandatory minimum sentencing provisions in ss 16AAA, 16AAB and 16AAC of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).

CDPP prosecutes overseas child sex abuse crimes in the Philippines

Location
2024

Between July 2015 and August 2019, Collen Teoxon Dixon travelled to the Philippines and engaged in, or attempted to engage in, sexual intercourse with children under 16 years of age and produced child pornography material (by recording this offending) on multiple occasions. Mr Dixon’s offending involved at least thirteen child victims.