Evidence of uncharged acts in sexual offence cases does not require proof beyond reasonable doubt unless the uncharged acts constitute an indispensable link in the chain of reasoning to guilt. Trial judges should explain specifically how uncharged act evidence can and cannot be used, should avoid introducing references to a lesser standard of proof, and should give propensity warnings where appropriate. The four basic propositions articulated by Doyle CJ at [69] provide a framework for determining the appropriate directions in individual cases.
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