The case provides a comprehensive summary of the burden of proof in self-defence cases under the NT Criminal Code, confirming that once evidence discloses the possibility of self-defence, the prosecution must disprove it beyond reasonable doubt, including negativing any honest and reasonable but mistaken belief in the existence of an imminent attack. The force used is to be assessed against the circumstances as the accused honestly and reasonably believed them to be. A magistrate's findings on credibility, if open on the evidence, will support a conclusion that self-defence has been negatived beyond reasonable doubt.
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