Farrell v R [2026] NSWCCA 152

Farrell v R [2026] NSWCCA 152 concerns appeals from convictions for dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm following an offset head-on collision. The central issue was whether a crime scene officer’s opinions about road gouges and the collision point were admissible under s 79 of the Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), and whether the evidence established beyond reasonable doubt that Farrell crossed the centreline. The Court found the officer had relevant specialised knowledge, adequately explained his factual basis and reasoning, and that no procedural unfairness arose. It also rejected challenges to objective seriousness and manifest excess. Leave was granted, but both appeals were dismissed.