Six Charges Reduced to Single Disorderly Conduct Offence – Costs Awarded

Mr Sheehy recently represented a client facing trial on six criminal charges arising from an incident at a licensed venue, including allegations of assault, making threats, obstructing police, failing to provide personal details, disorderly conduct, and failing to leave licensed premises.

 From the outset, Mr Sheehy carefully scrutinised both the evidence and the factual basis of the allegations, including witness accounts, CCTV, and body worn camera footage. Through detailed negotiations with the prosecution, significant issues were identified in relation to the reliability and accuracy of the police version of events.

 As a result of those negotiations, the matter was ultimately resolved on the day of trial on a substantially amended and limited factual basis, with all charges withdrawn save for a single count of disorderly conduct.

 The Court imposed a nominal fine and, importantly, ordered that police pay the client’s legal costs.

 This outcome represents an excellent result given the number and seriousness of the original charges, and highlights the importance of thoroughly testing the prosecution case and ensuring that any resolution properly reflects the true circumstances of the alleged offending.