[2025] NTSC 5
General information, not legal advice.
Supreme Court of the NT
2025-02-11
Kelly J
Original judgment source is linked above.
Criminal Code s 43ZD - application to revoke non-custodial supervision order and release the supervised person unconditionally - s 43ZL - report of next of kin of deceased victim received by the Court and taken into account - s 43ZM - the Court must apply the principle that restrictions on a supervised person's freedom and personal autonomy are to be kept to a minimum that is consistent with maintaining and protecting the safety of the community - order made unconditionally discharging the supervised person from the non-custodial supervision order
Criminal Code 1983 (NT), s 43H, s 43I, s 43ZD, s 43ZG(3)(a), s 43ZG(6), s 43ZH, s 43ZH(2)(a), s 43ZH(3), s 43ZH(3)(d), s 43ZK, s 43ZL, s 43ZL(3), s 43ZM, s 43ZN, s 156, Part IIA
R v KMD [2015] NTSC 31; R v Murdoch [2024] NTSC 60; Inquest into the death of Gwyyneth Kintala Vaezl Cassiopeia Roennfeldt (aka Jasmine Roennfeldt) [2013] NTMC 023, referred to
Crown: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
CEO Department of Health: Solicitor for the Northern Territory
The King v Manu [2025] NTSC 5
...we wish to strongly communicate displeasure at the short time frame, and insensitive email written to the victim's family inviting feedback to the Supreme Court. We have put aside work and life matters, at our own expense to urgently compile and provide this letter in a timely manner, knowing we will not have time to provide our own Affidavit(s).[6]
I am not aware of exactly when, nor how, the family of the deceased were made aware that the Court would be considering an application for Mr Manu's release from the NCSO.
Thank you for your time on the phone today and clarification that you will provide all of the contents of our report to the court, on our behalf on the 14th at the hearing/review.
We are grateful for your compassion in handling of this case, and trust you will honestly represent the contents, in court for Her Honour Judge Kelly's consideration.
Please find report/letter attached, and let me know if there is any further edit required for submission.
(a) confirm the order;
(b) vary the conditions of the order;
(c) vary the supervision order to a custodial supervision order and impose conditions the court considers appropriate; or
(d) revoke the order and release the supervised person unconditionally.[10]
(a) whether the accused person is likely to endanger himself or another person because of his mental impairment, condition or disability;
(b) the need to protect people from danger;
(c) the nature of the mental impairment or disability;
(d) the relationship between the mental impairment, condition or disability and the offending conduct;
(e) whether there are adequate resources available for the treatment and support of the supervised person in the community;
(f) whether the accused person is complying or is likely to comply with the conditions of the supervised order; and
(g) any other matters the court considers relevant.
...Mr Manu's mental health has largely been stable. Although he continues to have residual negative symptoms, their adverse impact on his daily functioning and recovery are mitigated by his NDIS plan and support systems. Mr Manu has good insight into the importance of treatment compliance and abstinence from illicit drugs. His insight into adjunctive risk factors, such as the importance of sleep hygiene, adhering to routine, and participation in volunteering or part-time employment has improved over this review period.
Mr Manu continues to have residual negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as reduced motivation and volition in respect of participating in structured activities (including employment or volunteering); social withdrawal, ambivalent thinking, anhedonia; and difficulties with inter-personal interactions. However, there has been an improvement in this domain in comparison to the previous review period...[15]
...[Mr Manu] poses a low risk of endangering other persons or himself because of his mental illness. Mr Manu's risk can be appropriately managed by AMHT case management. He no longer requires the higher intensity of follow-up or supervision provided by FMHT case management under the auspices of a NCSO.[20]
As Mr Manu is complying well with his psychiatric medication treatment...
Due to Mr Manu's improved insight into psycho-social contributors to his risk, he is likely to cooperate with his treating team in complying with non-pharmacological interventions if recommended to him. Given his willing participation in therapeutic interventions, he no longer requires the NCSO conditions to compulsorily engage in them.[21]
Dr Kini also noted that if Mr Manu stops complying with his psychiatric treatment in future, his treating team could apply for a Community Management Order under the Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998 (NT) to ensure compliance.[22]
Mr Manu now independently manages his medication and with support of community access attends treatment and follow up appointments at the Tamarind Centre without issues.
Mr Manu has expressed his commitment to continue to engage with treatment even if he was no longer under a supervision order.
Excluding the conditions imposed under the NCSO, Mr Manu can make independent decisions in relation to his health and financial matters, without oversight.[27]
During our interview on 7 June 2024, Mr Manu had insight into having schizophrenia, that it is a relapsing and remitting illness and demonstrated that he was able to identify the symptoms suggestive of acute psychotic relapse of his schizophrenia. He also demonstrated insight into psychotropic medications having potential side effects and that as a result he will need to be monitored by his GP on a regular basis...[28]
In relation to Mr Manu's future risks, the risks are likely to re-emerge in the event of Mr Manu experiencing an acute psychotic relapse of his schizophrenia, particularly in the context of relapse of illicit substance use or dangerous levels of alcohol consumption. In such an event he may become adversarial, non-compliant with treatment and follow up, and can become violent in attempt of protecting himself from misperceived harm from others.
At the current time given his good compliance, intact social supports, abstinence from illicit substances and alcohol, his risk of harm to himself or others is low. Factors that currently mitigate the above-mentioned risks are: ongoing familial support, NDIS provided community access, ongoing care and case management by mental health team, and ongoing compliance with psychotropic medication and follow up.[31]
Given the statements made by the coroner regarding Mr Manu's history, the similarity of Mr Manu's situation at this point in time, to the situation that immediately proceeded [the deceased's] murder is eerily similar.[34]
The incurable nature of schizophrenia (all types) and effects (the known statistical rates of recidivism) indicates that this application seems both bizarre and dangerous.
If this release were to be granted I would consider it criminally negligent.
I implore you to become familiar with the coroner's observations when considering this application.
Should Mr Manu be free to determine his own way of life, his ego is likely to step immediately into that deadly state again, without fear of repercussion.[35]
Recidivism is statistically likely in Mr Manu's case and current situation. Specifically, the likelihood of recurrence [increases] with alcohol or drug use...we strongly request that Mr Manu be monitored for drug and alcohol use for the duration of his life.[36]
The family also expressed distrust for the conclusions reached by medical experts in relation to Mr Manu.
...Mr Manu has, since his 1991 diagnoses, shown ongoing deceit and disregard for his compliance with his supervision...
Additionally, we remind that Mr Manu was able to deceive and manipulate his long-term Psychiatrist in 2011. He was unable to be regulated by his family and inevitably able to do irreparable harm, particularly to [the deceased], but touching all of us.[37]
The family reiterated the ongoing psychological harm that has affected all of them since the death of the deceased and has been exacerbated by this current review.
(a) Mr Manu should be case managed by AMHT indefinitely or until they have written directions from the Director of Psychiatry, TEMHS or the Director of FMHT to discharge him from case management.
(b) Mr Manu should have a case manager allocated to him. AMHT has already allocated a case manager (Bindu Balan) for Mr Manu and Ms Balan has already met with Mr Manu.
(c) FMHT emphasised the importance of early detection of deterioration in Mr Manu's mental health, so that timely interventions can be made to mitigate the risk of a relapse of his illness and violence.
(d) FMHT recommended Mr Manu's treating psychiatrist (or registrar) and case manager (or delegate) to review Mr Manu regularly. FMHT recommended that initially reviews are carried out at least on a monthly basis, and once the team has a better understanding of his baseline functioning and risks, they can determine the frequency of reviews.
(e) FMHT recommended that Mr Manu should continue to indefinitely administer at least one antipsychotic medication in a Long Acting Injection (LAI or depot) formulation to ensure compliance. FMHT recommended that Mr Manu should be on antipsychotic medication indefinitely. FMHT noted that previous attempts at reducing the dose of olanzapine had resulted in a decline of his mental health. FMHT recommended AMHT to liaise with Mr Manu's GP in respect of his metabolic monitoring.
(f) FMHT recommended that AMHT should have a low threshold to apply to the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) for a Community Management Order under the NT Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998 (MHRSA), if Mr Manu defaults, stops complying or expresses reluctance to comply with treatment. FMHT noted that Mr Manu has complied voluntarily with treatment since being placed on his supervision order, and has repeatedly said that he does not want to cease his antipsychotic medications.
(g) FMHT informed AMHT that they can contact FMHT for advice if they have concerns about Mr Manu's mental health or risks.
(h) FMHT emphasised the importance of AMHT liaising with Mr Manu's sister Ms Manu-Preston regularly, as his sister is well versed with his early relapse warning signs and risk factors.
(i) FMHT has recommended AMHT to liaise with BDMS as they facilitate three supervised community access visits for Mr Manu per week and their feedback can provide valuable information about his mental health and risk factors.
(j) FMHT has recommended AMHT conduct regular Urine Drug Screens (UDS) to ensure ongoing abstinence from illicit drugs. It was noted that this would require Mr Manu's cooperation. Mr Manu has always cooperated with UDS in the past. He has assured us that he will continue to do so in the future. If Mr Manu refuses to cooperate with UDS, it could potentially be an area for concern and AMHT should consult with his sister for collateral information.
As a family, we commit to continue to work collaboratively with the mental health and other services. We highlight that our commitment to support our brother is assured and our expectation is that it include the necessary clinical system of support and not just family support and intervention...
(a) Mr Manu had not exhibited any psychotic symptoms in the review period and despite residual negative symptoms, his mental health had remained stable.[53]
(b) His schizophrenia had been in remission for a number of years and over the review period he had maintained a stable mental state and been compliant with treatment and clinical monitoring.[54]
(c) Mr Manu has been complying well with his psychiatric medication treatment and during the last phase of his NCSO was independently managing his medication and, with support of community access, attending treatment and follow up appointments at the Tamarind Centre without issues.
(d) Mr Manu has expressed his commitment to engage with treatment even if he is no longer under a supervision order.
(e) If Mr Manu stops complying with his psychiatric treatment in future, his treating team could apply for a Community Management Order under the Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998 (NT) to ensure compliance.[55]
(f) Mr Manu has continued to abstain from alcohol and illicit drugs and engaged with professionals assisting his treatment and recovery.
(g) Mr Manu has good insight into the harmful effects of alcohol and illicit drugs on his mental health and their propensity to increase his risk of violent recidivism.[56]
(h) Due to Mr Manu's improved insight into the psycho-social contributors to his risk, the doctors expressed the view that he is likely to cooperate with his treating team in complying with non-pharmacological interventions if recommended to him.
(i) Dr Kini considered all five previously identified future risk items to be not present and not relevant.[57]
(j) Dr Kini concluded that in the event of Mr Manu's NCSO being removed, he would pose a low risk to the community and that that risk could be appropriately managed by AMHT. Both doctors considered that Mr Manu's improved insight meant that a court imposed order was no longer necessary to ensure compliance.
(k) In his supplementary report, after being referred to the concerns expressed by the deceased's family, Dr Kini liaised with FMHT and AMHT and a series of additional supports were recommended and will be put in place to mitigate any risk of future violent recidivism on the part of Mr Manu. (These are set out at [44] above.)
(l) Mr Manu has the protective factor of care and support from his family who have supported him throughout his period of supervision and will continue to do so.
[1] Inquest into the death of Gwyyneth Kintala Vaezl Cassiopeia Roennfeldt (aka Jasmine Roennfeldt) [2013] NTMC 023 at [2]
[2] Pursuant to s 43ZG(3)(a) of the Code read with s 53A(1)(a) of the Sentencing Act 1995 (NT)
[3] Submissions on behalf of the CEO of Health, 10 September 2024, paragraph 9
[4] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 4.14
[5] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 5.4; Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 15.3
[7] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 2.13; Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 13.7
[9] The Code s 43ZH(2)(a); s 43ZG(6)
[12] R v KMD [2015] NTSC 31 at [37]; R v Murdoch [2024] NTSC 60 at [14]
[13] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 1.3
[14] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 2.5
[15] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 4.1 - 4.2
[16] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 4 May 2023, paragraphs 3.10 - 3.11
[17] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 4 May 2023, paragraph 3.12
[18] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 4 May 2023, paragraph 3.12
[19] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 4.10
[20] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 4.14
[21] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 4.15 - 4.16
[22] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 4.15
[23] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 5.4
[24] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 7.1 & 13.1
[25] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 7.2
[26] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 7.3
[27] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraphs 8.2 - 9.1
[28] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 9.3
[29] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 13.7 & 15.1
[30] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 13.5
[31] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraphs 13.6 - 13.7
[32] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 15.3
[33] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraphs 14.4 & 15.4
[34] Affidavit of Gwenneth Mary Gleeson 7 August 2024, paragraph 4
[35] Affidavit of Gwenneth Mary Gleeson 7 August 2024, paragraph 5 - 8
[38] Crown Submissions at 31; Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 5.1
[40] Transcript of proceedings on 14 August 2024
[41] Submissions on behalf of the Supervised person at 18
[42] Submissions on behalf of the Supervised person at 19; Inquest into the death of Gwyyneth Kintala Vaezl Cassiopeia Roennfeldt (aka Jasmine Roennfeldt) [2013] NTMC 023
[43] Submissions on behalf of the Supervised person, 12 September 2024, at 19
[44] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 9 September 2024, paragraph 1.1
[45] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 9 September 2024, paragraphs 2.1 - 2.4
[46] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 9 September 2024, paragraph 2.6
[47] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 9 September 2024, paragraph 2.6
[48] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 9 September 2024, paragraph 2.7
[49] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 9 September 2024, paragraph 4.16 - 4.18
[50] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 9 September 2024, paragraph 4.20
[51] Submissions on behalf of the CEO of Health, 10 September 2024, at 50
[52] Submissions on behalf of the CEO of Health, 10 September 2024, at 51 - 53
[53] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 1.3
[54] Report of Dr Abdul Rahman Madadi, 20 June 2024, paragraph 7.3
[55] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 4.15
[56] Report of Dr Ranjit Kini, 6 June 2024, paragraph 2.5
[57] These were (1) professional service and plans, (2) living situation, (3) personal support, (4) treatment and supervision response and (5) stress and coping.
The King
Manu [2025] NTSC 5