In a circumstantial case, motive is ordinarily a strand in the cable of evidence rather than an indispensable link in a chain, and need not be proved beyond reasonable doubt unless it is the only basis for inferring guilt. An Edwards consciousness of guilt direction may be given in respect of a lie whose subject matter pre-dates the offence, provided the lie itself was told after the offence and relates to a material aspect of it. Consciousness of guilt reasoning is not impermissibly circular (bootstrapping) where the jury can be satisfied a lie was told by reference to evidence other than that directly establishing guilt of the offence charged.
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