The case confirms that where co-accused on a joint indictment have significantly different roles in a joint criminal enterprise, the acquittal of one co-accused does not render the conviction of another inconsistent or unreasonable. A trial judge is not required to direct on an alternative lesser offence under s 86(4) of the Crimes Act 1900 unless there is a 'viable case' for the alternative count. Under s 161 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986, the need for and extent of a summary of evidence in the summing-up depends on the length, complexity and circumstances of the trial.
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