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CRIMES ACT 1914 - SECT 23YB

Obstructing the carrying out of forensic procedure

  (1)   This section applies where a constable or magistrate has ordered the carrying out of a forensic procedure on a suspect under this Part.

  (2)   Subject to subsections   (3) and (4), evidence that the suspect:

  (a)   refused to comply with any reasonable direction in connection with the carrying out of the forensic procedure; or

  (b)   obstructed, resisted, hindered, used violence against, threatened or intimidated a person in connection with the carrying out of the forensic procedure;

is admissible in any proceedings against the suspect in respect of a relevant offence.

  (3)   Evidence described in subsection   (2) is not admissible if the forensic procedure was in fact carried out satisfactorily.

  (4)   Evidence described in subsection   (2) is not admissible unless it is established that the suspect:

  (a)   had been informed by a constable as described in subsection   23WA(4); or

  (b)   otherwise knew;

that the fact of refusing to comply with the direction, or obstructing, resisting, hindering, using violence against, threatening or intimidating the person, in connection with the carrying out of the forensic procedure might be used in evidence against the suspect.

  (5)   The court or jury may draw such inferences from the evidence described in subsection   (2) as appear to the court or jury to be proper in the circumstances, having regard to any evidence given by or on behalf of the suspect.


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