When self-defence under s 271 of the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld) is raised, the trial judge must direct the jury not only on the competing versions of events but also on the possibility that the jury may not accept either version, in which case the accused is entitled to the benefit of any reasonable doubt as to whether an unprovoked assault occurred. Where charges involve different levels of force against different complainants, separate directions must be given on s 271(1) and s 271(2) as applicable to each charge.
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