The criminal offence of murder was described in the case of R v Penisini [2003] NSWSC 892 as the most serious offence in the criminal calendar. A conviction of the criminal offence of murder can have severe consequences, up to life imprisonment.
Our award-winning criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group have been nationally recognised as the leading criminal lawyers in NSW for securing the best outcomes for clients who have been charged with serious offences, including the criminal offence of murder.
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of murder, contact our specialist team of expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation.
WHAT IS THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF MURDER?
Section 18(1)(a) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) defines the criminal offence of murder to be taken to have been committed where the act of the accused, or thing by him or her omitted to be done, causing the death charged, was done or omitted:
- with reckless indifference to human life, or
- with intent to kill, or
- with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm upon some person, or
- done in an attempt to commit, or during or immediately after the commission, by the accused, or some accomplice with him or her, of a crime punishable by imprisonment for life or for 25 years.
WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT FOR THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF MURDER?
Section 19A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) prescribes a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for a conviction of the criminal offence of murder, although it is open to the Court to allocate a lesser sentence.
If you have been charged with or accused of the criminal offence of murder, Criminal Lawyers Group’s Principal and award-winning criminal lawyer Mr Steven Mercael will personally handle your case and ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Mr Mercael has a proven record in securing not guilty verdicts for serious criminal offences. As for clients who do plead guilty, he has secured outcomes well below the maximum penalties available to the Court.
MAN EXTRADITED FROM QUEENSLAND TO NSW OVER MURDER ALLEGATIONS
A 30-year-old man has been extradited from Queensland to NSW and charged with the criminal offence of murder over the death of 49-year-old Jamie Colgan, whose body was located with multiple stab wounds and rolled up in a carpet inside a unit in Leumeah on 14 March 2022.
Police began investigations and subsequently travelled to Rockhampton in Queensland last Thursday to arrest the alleged offender, before he appeared in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Friday, where his extradition was approved.
He was taken to Sydney under police escort, before being charged with the criminal offence of murder at Mascot police station. He was denied bail.
FINAL MOMENTS OF MURDER VICTIM LILIE JAMES REVEALED
Details of how Lilie James’ killer Paul Thijssen had prepared for and committed her murder, before killing himself, have been revealed during a coronial inquest into their deaths. The inquest heard that Mr Thijssen had stalked Ms James in the days prior to her murder and had practised dry runs of her murder, prior to bludgeoning her to death with a hammer inside a school bathroom.
After murdering Ms James, Mr Thijssen took Ms James’ phone and texted her father pretending to be Ms James and requesting that he pick her up. Mr Thijssen then proceeded to contact 000 and directed the police to the location of Ms James’ body. He then took his own life moments later in Vaucluse.
Forensic psychologist Dr Seidler and psychiatrist Dr Sullivan both told the court that there was evidence of Mr Thijssen having exhibited patterns of coercive control in his relationship with a previous girlfriend and Ms James.
Dr Danny Sullivan concluded that Mr Thijssen “formed a hatred of Ms James based on the fact she rejected him and he punished her by killing her.”
The inquest before coroner Teresa O’Sullivan continues.
CONTACT CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP NOW
A conviction of the criminal offence of murder can have the most serious of legal consequences. Contact our expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation. Our specialist criminal lawyers will comprehensively analyse your case, provide our high-quality representation and guide you through the full process as we secure you the best outcome.