The Supreme Court of Queensland, in the case of R v McLennan [2024] QCA 212, addressed an appeal brought by Britney Alana McLennan against her conviction for armed robbery in company. Convicted by the District Court at Townsville in December 2023, McLennan's appeal hinged on claims of misdirection during the trial. The Court of Appeal, comprised of Boddice and Brown JJA and Williams J, found merit in the appeal, particularly due to the trial judge's failure to properly instruct the jury on McLennan's knowledge of a knife being used during the robbery. The judges noted several issues, including the jury's confusion over McLennan's awareness of an armed co-defender and comments misattributing actions to her. As a result, the appeal was allowed, the verdict set aside, and a new trial was ordered to reassess McLennan's involvement under the correct guidance of law.
Full text: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/150343