Alexakis v Masters (No 2) [2023] NSWSC 509

In view of the frailty of human memory, the inability of Mr McClure to give evidence and the parties’ self-interest, more weight is to be placed on the contemporaneous documents where they are available, the objective surrounding circumstances and the inherent probabilities and improbabilities of events: Watson v Foxman (1995) 49 NSWLR 315 at 319; Fox v Percy (2003) 214 CLR 118; [2003] HCA 22 at [28]–[31].

Evidence of statements made by Mr McClure, particularly where they are disputed, must be examined carefully and treated with caution. Where possible, the Court should look for some corroboration: Plunkett v Bull (1915) 19 CLR 544; [1915] HCA 14; Chant v Curcuruto [2021] NSWSC 751 (Chant v Curcuruto) at [263]–[264].

The Court is not bound to accept or reject the evidence of a witness in its entirety, and there are risks in making global findings about the credibility of any particular witness. Where a witness is found to have lied about one matter, this does not automatically mean that they are to be disbelieved about all other matters or prove the opposite of the lie. The fact of the lie may indicate a consciousness that the truth in respect of that matter would not have assisted the witness’ case or may constitute evidence which is corroborative of other evidence. Where possible, an assessment should be made as to the reasons for the untruthfulness of the information in order to see if other aspects of the evidence are likely to be infected by the same concern and whether, and what, inferences can be drawn from the untruths: Tobin v Ezekiel (2012) 83 NSWLR 757; [2012] NSWCA 285 (Tobin v Ezekiel) at [60]–[61] per Meagher JA (with whom Basten and Campbell JJA agreed); Sangha v Baxter (2009) 52 MVR 492; [2009] NSWCA 78 at [155]–[156] per Basten JA (with whom Handley AJA agreed).

As observed by Tadgell JA in Transport Industries Insurance Co Ltd v Longmuir [1997] 1 VR 125 at 141 (and cited by Hallen J in Chant v Curcuruto at [755], Robertson v Barker [2021] NSWSC 1682 at [453] and Starr v Miller [2021] NSWSC 426 at [6]):

"The evidence is to be evaluated as a whole in order fairly to consider whether the party bearing the onus of proof has established what is ultimately sought to be proved. The object of the exercise of evaluation is to discover whether the evidence paints a picture reflecting real life, rather than to place a tick or a cross against paragraph after paragraph of torpid pleading. A true picture is to be derived from an accumulation of detail. The overall effect of the detailed picture can sometimes be best appreciated by standing back and viewing it from a distance, making an informed, considered, qualitative appreciation of the whole. The overall effect of the detail is not necessarily the same as the sum total of the individual details."

The Court must have regard to the serious nature of the allegations of undue influence, fraud and unconscionable conduct when considering whether the claims are proven and must feel an actual persuasion of its occurrence or existence before a fact can be found: Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) (Evidence Act), s 140; Briginshaw v Briginshaw (1938) 60 CLR 336(Briginshaw v Briginshaw) at 361–2; [1938] HCA 34; Warner v Hung, in the matter of Bellpac Pty Ltd (recs and mgrs apptd) (in liq) (No 2) (2011) 297 ALR 56; [2011] FCA 1123 at [48].