A former juvenile corrections officer in New South Wales, who was previously convicted of abusing five boys, has had her conviction overturned by an appeals court, which has ordered a retrial.
Nadia Khalil had received a 12-year prison sentence in 2021, with a non-parole period exceeding seven years, for the sexual abuse of five boys at Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre, located near Campbelltown on Sydney’s outskirts.
She appealed the conviction, arguing that a forensic psychologist provided testimony that exceeded his area of expertise.
Claim of Miscarriage of Justice
During a hearing on March 3 at the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal, Khalil’s barrister, Phillip Boulten SC, claimed it was a miscarriage of justice to allow psychologist Dr Christopher Lennings’ report as evidence.
According to his website, Dr Lennings’ research focuses on topics such as violent and sexually violent youth offenders, child protection, and youth suicide.
The court was told that Dr Lennings had reviewed literature on sexual abuse of male juveniles by detention staff but lacked specific expertise in the conduct of youth detention officers.
Mr Boulten argued that Lennings’ testimony was not grounded in specialist knowledge of youth corrections personnel.
Justices Peter Garling, Dina Yehia, and Belinda Rigg delivered a restricted ruling today, noting concerns that Lennings’ opinion regarding youth workers may have been irrelevant and unduly prejudicial.
Conviction Overturned, Retrial Ordered
The appellate court quashed both the convictions and the sentence, ruling in favor of the appeal and ordering a retrial.
The matter is scheduled to return to the District Court for mention on June 6.
Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre, which accommodates detainees up to 15 years old, is where the alleged offenses occurred between 1997 and 2005. The facility is located on Sydney’s outskirts and holds some of the state’s youngest inmates.
Khalil had been in a position of authority and trust during the time of the alleged offenses.
Support Services for Sexual Assault:
- 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 131 114
- Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817
- Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578
