When giving a s 405B(2) direction that delay in complaint does not necessarily indicate falsity, trial judges should normally also give the Crofts balancing direction drawing attention to the effect of delay on credibility. Discussion of reasons for delay should be confined to reasons actually offered by the complainant; speculation about unexpressed reasons is inappropriate. A direction on the effect of delay on the accused's ability to defend is not required where no actual prejudice from delay is demonstrated — mere delay is not enough. In short single-issue trials, a comprehensive analysis of the evidence in the summing up is not required where counsel's submissions are fresh in the jury's mind.
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