Media/News
Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally is a highly regarded Melbourne criminal law firm regularly featured in Australian media for its expertise in criminal defence and high-profile criminal cases . Explore the latest news, legal commentary, and media coverage involving our criminal lawyers and landmark cases.
Joel Micallef found not guilty of Nikkita Azzopardi’s murder because of mental impairment
Sam Norton defends Mr. Micallef, who admits to killing Ms. Azzopardi, arguing for a not guilty verdict due to schizophrenia. Justice Amanda Fox acknowledges Micallef's delusions of perceived threat, and he will return to discuss his supervision order.
Victorian government defends bail laws as opposition criticises new judicial guidance
Sam Norton, Partner at Stary Norton Halphen, discusses on ABC Radio Melbourne the importance of judicial discretion and independence in the justice system, emphasising that community safety should not be the sole factor in achieving just outcomes.
Woman freed on bail over fire that killed two children
Shania Lee is in court after a tragic fire claimed the lives of her one and five-year-old daughters while she left them home alone. She was granted bail with conditions and will appear again on January 15.
Sunshine North fatal fire: Case against alleged arsonists over deadly factory fire delayed
Sam Norton, a Partner at Stary Norton Halphen, represented Phoenix Darren John Tims, a young man accused of igniting a factory fire that resulted in the deaths of two men.
What life is like after jury duty
Criminal lawyer Sam Norton notes that many individuals serving on juries find the 'enormous responsibility' to be quite traumatic.
Seven men from Geelong's soccer community, including Luka Jurkovic and Oscar Cosic, avoided conviction for performing a Nazi salute
Seven men from Geelong's soccer community, including Luka Jurkovic and Oscar Cosic, avoided conviction for performing a Nazi salute.
Jai Clapp faces Latrobe Valley County Court over sex charges
Jai Clapp, 25, faces serious charges in Latrobe Valley County Court for child sexual offences. His defence claims he accepts responsibility and had early exposure to abusive material. Judge Marcus Dempsey acknowledges Clapp's intelligence but points out emotional shortcomings. Sentencing is set for April 30.
Sam Norton on 3AW with Tom Elliot debating Victoria's proposed new bail laws
Our partner Sam Norton joined Tom Elliott on 3AW’s morning show to discuss Labor’s proposed new bail laws. He offered expert legal insights on the implications of these reforms for the justice system. If you missed it, be sure to catch Sam’s take on this crucial issue.
Recent Changes to Bail Laws in Victoria
Sam Norton discussed in The Age how changes to Victoria's bail laws could negatively impact children in the justice system, reversing past reforms that aimed to reduce youth incarceration rates, especially for Aboriginal children.
Melbourne lawyer avoids jail after killing pedestrian
Liam Murray, a lawyer who fatally struck pedestrian Erin Bentley while reversing in Melbourne in May 2022, has been sentenced to a three-year community corrections order instead of prison time, following a plea from Bentley's family.
An autistic boy faced terror charges unprecedented for an Australian child
Sam Norton and Nick Jane who represented the boy known as Thomas Carrick, a 13-year-old autistic boy charged with terrorism offences following an undercover police operation, has highlighted the significant impact on the child and his family.
A Current Affair reporter Seb Costello charged with assault
Seb Costello, an A Current Affair reporter, faces two unlawful assault charges from a neighbourhood dispute in Melbourne, despite the victims retracting their statements. He plans to contest with lawyer Sam Norton.
‘Not guilty’: Celeste Manno murder accused set to go on trial
Luay Sako pleaded not guilty to murdering Celeste Manno, with his lawyer Sam Norton citing the case's complexity and reliance on medical evidence.
Melbourne’s high-flying lawyers: powerful figures on Victoria’s legal scene
Melbourne's courtrooms have seen many prominent figures, including our Partner Sam Norton, who is noted for his impactful landmark rulings and initiatives that advance the legal field.
Rian Farrell pleads not guilty over stabbing death of 'best mate' Liam Cahill in Melbourne apartment
Rian Farrell, 23, pleads not guilty to murdering his best friend, Liam Cahill, during a brawl in Melbourne. Claiming self-defence, Farrell admits to stabbing Cahill, with the defence arguing against intent. The case highlights the incident's severity, as Cahill was stabbed through the heart.
Victoria weighs judge-only trials as courts grind to a halt
Victoria is considering judge-only trials to reduce COVID-related court delays, with support from Liberty Victoria and the Law Council of Australia.
Shrinking prison population prompts call to rethink bail laws
Defence lawyers and justice reformers say the figures should be a “circuit breaker” to review government policies such as tight bail laws, which drove the growth in prisoner numbers before the COVID-19 crisis.
Borce Ristevski back in court charged with wife Karen’s murder
Borce Ristevski’s court case adjourned to May 16 as lawyers review 22,000 pages of evidence in complex murder matter; defence highlights scale and varied issues in the brief.
Minson to take on Giants after successful appeal
The ruckman's advocate, Sam Norton, asked the Appeals Board for leniency, noting that Minson had pleaded guilty and apologised to Chrystie on the ground and again before Tuesday night's Tribunal hearing.
Epping man accused of trying to join fight against Islamic State granted bail
A Melbourne security guard and homelessness volunteer accused of attempting to travel to the Middle East to join the fight against the Islamic State has been released on bail.