Page 463 - Magistrates Conference 2019

SIMILAR FACT EVIDENCE - SCENARIO

DISCUSS

The Makins’, a husband and wife, had been charged with the

murder of an infant who had been given into their care by the

child’s mother after payment of a fee. The infant was found

bound and buried in a drain in the backyard of a neighbouring

property. The accused alleged that they had received only one

child to nurse, that they had received payment and that after a

few weeks, it was given back to the parents. However, it was soon

discovered that there were in fact 12 babies buried in

neighbouring properties connected to the Makins'. They

appealed after the admission of evidence of five women, who

stated that they had intrusted other children to the accused, who

had never been seen again.

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