R v Watene - [1992] 3 NZLR 79

Criminal law — Sentence — Three incidents of aggravated robbery, kidnapping and car conversion — Firearms used — Hostages taken — Three accused sentenced to eight, eight, and nine years' imprisonment respectively — Whether sentences were adequate — Crimes Act 1961, s 382(2)(c).

Criminal practice and procedure — Trial — Crown expert witness allowed to approach jury to point out details of evidence — Judge pointed to weakness in evidence as to one charge — Whether implicit that other charges were strong — Comment by Judge on the accused not giving evidence — Whether these matters made the conduct of the trial improper.