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Director Of Public Prosecutions v Stefanie Williams [1993] SASC 4118

9. There seemed to me to be a number of matters which should be considered. First, this is evidence of the mental state of the prisoner. The evidence given by Dr Jureidini and Dr Southall included an assessment of her mental state and conclusions by them as to the nature of her condition from which she was said to be suffering. Dr Jureidini is a psychiatrist. He gave evidence that the prisoner is suffering from Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy.

10. Dr Southall is a pediatrician. Indeed, the evidence discloses that Dr Southall is a very distinguished pediatrician. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that he has done a considerable amount of work in relation to children who have died from alleged attacks of apnoea. The evidence of Dr Southall as to the mental state of the prisoner cannot be said to be expert evidence in that field. He has no training or qualification in the area of the psychiatry. At best, and with all respect to Dr Southall, it can be said that his is a lay view, albeit perhaps a well informed view.

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