Downes v R [2020] NSWCCA 167

Court of Criminal Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Downes v R [2020] NSWCCA 167 Hearing dates: 17 June 2020 Decision date: 23 July 2020 Before: Hoeben CJ at CL at [1]; Rothman J at [48]; Hamill J at [55] Decision: (1) Leave to appeal is granted. (2) The appeal is dismissed. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – sentence appeal – three offences of affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and reckless wounding – altercation in hotel – events recorded on CCTV – applicant major contributor to violence – whether parity principle observed – applicant's conduct significantly more serious than that of co-offender – appeal dismissed. Legislation Cited: Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – ss 35(4), 59(1), 93C(1) Criminal Appeal Act 1912 (NSW) – s 5(1)(c) Cases Cited: Cameron v R [2017] NSWCCA 229 Chamon v R [2020] NSWCCA 112 Farah Constructions Pty Ltd v Say-Dee Pty Ltd (2007) 230 CLR 89; [2007] HCA 22 Fenech v R [2018] NSWCCA 160 Green v The Queen; Quinn v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 462; [2011] HCA 49 House v The King (1936) 55 CLR 499; [1936] HCA 40 Lowe v The Queen (1984) 154 CLR 606; [1984] HCA 46 Postiglione v The Queen (1997) 189 CLR 295; [1997] HCA 26 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Aaron David Downes – Applicant Regina – Respondent Crown Representation: Counsel: D McMahon – Applicant M Kumar – Respondent Crown