Accessory after the fact (ingredients and case law)

Question 1

Accessory after the fact

Answer 1

Receives - harbour or shelter
comforts - feed and clothe
Assist - active assist e.g lookout
Tamper with - alters evidence
Suppresses - conceals/destroys

with the intent - to assist the offender in escape after arrest/avoid arrest/avoid conviction

Question 2

R v Mane

Answer 2

principal offence must be completed at the time of Accessory after the fact.

Question 3

Innocent agent

Answer 3

Unaware of the significance of their actions and cannot be charged.

Question 4

R v Crooks

Answer 4

Knowledge means actual knowledge or belief in the sense of having no real doubt that the person assisted was party to the relevant offence. Mere suspicion of their involvement in the offence is insufficient.

Question 5

R v Briggs

Answer 5

As with a receiving charge, knowledge may also be inferred from wilful blindness or a deliberate abstention from making inquiries that would confirm the suspected truth.