A victim’s perspective of the mental impairment defence *re-issue*

A victim’s perspective of the mental impairment defence *re-issue*

Author: Bravecasting March 18, 2026 Duration: 52:18

David Cammarata’s childhood best friend is currently a forensic patient in a secure psychiatric facility. He was found not guilty of the machete murder of his own brother at a suburban shopping centre and of stalking and attempting to murder David, because the judge believed he was suffering from severe mental illness when he committed the offences.

David and his family were terrorised for years before his former friend Jonathan was apprehended. Now he lives in fear that he’ll one day be released. 

David’s former best friend, the best man at his wedding is a man by the name of Jonathan Dick. 

This episode was first aired on September 18th, 2022.

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For those drawn to the shadows that linger just beyond the backyard fence, Australian True Crime offers a compelling and often unsettling exploration. Hosted by Meshel Laurie, whose genuine fascination with the genre drives every conversation, this podcast delves into the stories that unfold in the very streets and suburbs we think we know. It moves beyond the headlines to examine the intricate, human details of cases that have shocked the nation. Laurie’s approach is characterised by thorough research and a commitment to presenting multiple perspectives. Each episode is built around interviews with a range of voices, including journalists who have covered the cases, investigators who worked the scenes, and at times, the victim survivors or even perpetrators themselves. This method provides a multi-faceted view, probing the underbelly of Australian communities to uncover the complex realities behind the crime. Listening to this podcast feels like sitting down for a deep, sometimes difficult, but always engrossing discussion about the darker threads woven into the fabric of Australian life. It’s for anyone who understands that true crime is, at its core, about people and place, and that the most mysterious tales are often those closest to home.
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