In R v MEA [2024] QCA 160, the Queensland Court of Appeal reviewed an appeal against the conviction of MEA for multiple serious charges, including maintaining a sexual relationship with a child and several counts of indecent treatment and rape. The case was heard following a jury trial where the prosecution's case relied on the testimony of the complainant, who was the appellant's partner's daughter. The appellant contended that the trial was compromised due to the loss of notes made by the complainant during her police interview, which were never tendered as evidence. The appeal raised issues of potential miscarriages of justice, focusing on the jury's ability to evaluate the complainant's reliability, especially given her reported memory difficulties and mental health issues, including depersonalisation disorder. The court ultimately dismissed the appeal, affirming that the trial judge's directions regarding the complainant’s evidence were sufficient and that no significant miscarriage of justice had occurred.
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