In the Hennessey v Commissioner of Police [2024] QDC 52 case, Daniel Kerrick Hennessey successfully appealed against his conviction for failing to appear in court as per his bail undertaking. The appeal, based on section 222 of the Justices Act 1886 (Qld), argued that Hennessey, who suffers from a severe acute adjustment disorder causing him mental health issues, had attempted to attend court but was delayed due to a panic attack. Despite informing the court of his late arrival, a warrant for his arrest was still issued. Smith DCJA, upon reviewing the circumstances and the considerable impact of Hennessey's mental health condition on his ability to comply with court schedules, determined that the Magistrate had erred in not considering Hennessey's health issues as a reasonable cause for his non-appearance. Consequently, Smith DCJA quashed Hennessey's conviction, set aside the order made in the Magistrates Court, and made no order as to costs.
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