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ADLA member for - VIC

Written by
Josh Taaffe
Criminal Defence Lawyer


Public Order Offences
A Case Study: G20 Riot Plea - Wholly suspended sentence
Date: 01/09/2009
7283

The Name of the Offence


Riot, Reckless Conduct Endangering Serious Injury

Place of the event


Melbourne

The court attended


Melbourne County Court
Acting Solicitor: Josh Taaffe

Facts of the Case


The client faced numerous and serious charges arising out of events that occurred during protests against the meeting of the G20 Summit in Melbourne between 17 and 19 November 2007. These charges included involvement in riots at Collins Street and at the Brawler Van police vehicle. He was also charged with reckless conduct endangering death for throwing a car tyre at police officers.

Josh represented L at committal and the reckless conduct endangering death charge was thrown out. Ultimately the matter resolved into a plea of guilty to two counts of riot and one count of reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

On the plea the client's personal circumstances, the fact that he had sought our counselling, that he had been very concerned about his actions and other matters were put forward. The Court accepted that he was remorseful for his involvement in the tyre incident and the offences in general.

Results Achieved


Ultimately the client was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment wholly suspended for two years and a fine of $2000.
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