R v Smith (Malcolm) - [2000] 3 NZLR 656

Criminal law — Evidence — Admissibility — Informer recording drug deals by use of hidden video camera — Informer committing offences as courier for accused — Whether evidence unfairly obtained.

Criminal law — Search and seizure — Informer recording drug deals by use of hidden video camera — Accused carrying out deals using hand signals to avoid detection by other means — Informer committing offences as courier for accused — Whether unreasonable search — New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, s 21.

Criminal law — Sentence — Drug offences — Supply of drugs — Whether sentence of 12 years' imprisonment manifestly excessive.

Criminal practice and procedure — Evidence — Representative charge alleging offending between 1990 and 1999 — Proof of conduct from mid-1998 — Whether evidence of offence charged.