Sweeney received admission to practice in 1987 and served as counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the former Crown Solicitor’s Office for 17 years.
“She began her counsel days at the Crown Solicitor’s Office and was fast-tracked to criminal jury trials, before joining the ODPP at its inception in 1992 under the Hon. John McKechnie AO KC,” Buti said. “Judge Sweeney’s career at the ODPP saw her rise in the ranks to the positions of Senior State Prosecutor and Consultant State Prosecutor.”
Sweeney’s practice, spanning nearly two decades, includes more than 15 years focusing on criminal trials and appeals.
Before WA’s District and Supreme Courts, she prosecuted criminal trials, including long and complex murder trials as well as sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, and drug trials. She appealed convictions and sentences before the Court of Appeal and argued special leave applications before the High Court.
“Her Honour’s experience in criminal law spans more than 35 years, during which she has served with distinction across a multitude of complex matters both as a counsel and a Judge,” Buti said in the state government’s media statement.