In possession offences, if the accused exercises control or dominion over drugs, the mere possibility that possession was shared jointly with another does not defeat the Crown case. Unless joint possession is raised by the evidence, trial judges should direct juries on exclusive possession without reference to the concept of persons 'acting in concert', as that phrase may confuse. Even if the prosecution does not press joint possession as an alternative, the trial judge may direct on its legal effect provided the accused suffers no tactical disadvantage.
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