Show Notes
A podcast series by Paul Coady, Sophie Anderson and Caitlin Akthar, with some special guests.
Each episode will summarise 5 cases relevant to criminal lawyers in NSW.
In this episode, Sophie and Paul highlight the following cases: R v Early (No 4) [2023] NSWSC 505 Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) v Banks [2019] NSWSC 363 The King v Anna Rowan – A Pseudonym [2024] HCA 9 R v Bredal [2024] NSWCCA 75 McMillan v R [2024] NSWCCA 83
If you wish to reach out with comments or suggestions for future episodes, the hosts can be contacted on: [email protected]
More from Legal Aid NSW Criminal Law Division
Episode 32, 13 October 2026: Big news! (but it’s a surprise…); Cases on s.90 and admissions, intent and ADVO’s, when does a pre-recorded trial begin for discount purposes, a new guideline judgment for driving matters and sentencing prisoners on remand. Cases cited
It’s back to regular programming! In Episode 31 Sophie and Caitlin discuss:
In a very special 30th episode, the Chief Justice of New South Wales, The Honourable Andrew Bell AC, joins all three hosts. The Chief Justice reveals insights about his path to the role, the inner workings of the Supreme Court and the way judges work together. We also hear the Chief Justice speak about Solutions Focused Justice, developments in the law and the importance of the Liberato direction.
Episode 29 of the 5 Cases Podcast; Is everyone at CLANT? Caitlin and Paul are jealous but review 5 cases for you on the topic of fitness in the Children's Court; costs in the Local Court; The rule in Hofer v The Queen; objections to the admissibility of recorded interviews and the treatment of Edwards-style lies. The cases discussed are: R v Nick [2026] NSWChC https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/19ed2e2b7a4450339aa3cf04 M v Joya [2025] NSWSC 1569 https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/19b2f2df56a559dfd0f6140a Douglas v R (a pseudonym) [2026] NSWCCA 85 https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/19ed3312f144fb3c80edbe6c R v GH [2026] NSWSC 740 https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/19eeddb253bbba89ca924758 [not published] v R [2026] NSWCCA 75: https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/19e965108e069f60a4257dc5 Section 18B of the Drug Court Act: https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1998-150#sec.18B
In this episode, barrister Kellie Stares SC shares practical insights from her experience on how to effectively cross-examine police officers. She explores strategies for dealing with experienced officers who are familiar with court processes and skilled at managing their presentation in the witness box. Kellie discusses techniques she uses to achieve fair outcomes, including carefully working through the paper trail, understanding what police guidelines require to go in notebook entries, and leveraging material uncovered through subpoenas. She also examines the serious consequences of “tunnel vision” in the prosecution of matters, and how it can negatively impact innocent accused persons.