Where there has been a significant passage of time between an offence and the accused first learning of the complaint, coupled with loss or destruction of evidence and inconsistencies in witness testimony, the failure to give a Longman direction warning the jury of the forensic disadvantage to the accused is likely to constitute a strong ground of appeal. The State's reliance on authorities concerning warnings about witness credibility or bad character does not address the distinct issue of forensic disadvantage from delay.
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