Preston v R - [2017] 2 NZLR 358

Criminal law — Murder — Whether miscarriage of justice at appellant’s trial — Whether evidence properly admitted — Whether Court’s rulings and directions to jury complete and accurate — Whether prosecutor’s address to jury appropriate.

Criminal Law — Evidence — Whether appellant’s statements to daughters and on Facebook admissible — Whether test for general admissibility satisfied — Whether evidence relevant — Whether probative value of evidence outweighed risk of unfair prejudice — Evidence Act 2006, ss 7, 8, 18 and 58.

Criminal law — Evidence — Hearsay — Whether evidence of statements by deceased to third parties admissible — Whether hearsay evidence admissible — Statements reliable and relevant — Evidence Act 2006, ss 7, 8 and 18.

Criminal law — Evidence — Whether appellant’s statements to his pastor admissible — Whether appellant seeking religious or spiritual advice, benefit or comfort — Evidence Act 2006, s 58.

Criminal law — Sentencing — Whether sentence manifestly unjust — Whether minimum period imposed manifestly excessive in relation to comparable cases — Sentencing Act 2002, s 104.