Harkin v R [2020] NSWCCA 242

Court of Criminal Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Harkin v R [2020] NSWCCA 242 Hearing dates: 2 September 2020 Decision date: 30 September 2020 Before: Hoeben CJ at CL at [1]; Button J at [87]; N Adams J at [88] Decision: (1) Leave to appeal granted. (2) The appeal is dismissed. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – sentence appeal – reckless wounding causing grievous bodily harm committed in company contrary to s 35(3) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – affray contrary to s 93C(1) of the Crimes Act – two s 9 bonds revoked and sentences imposed – indicative sentence of 6 years and 6 months with a non-parole period of 4 years and 6 months provided – whether court took into account reduced moral culpability by reason of the applicant's mental health – whether proper regard was had to the applicant's disadvantaged early life – whether due regard had to the principles of remorse and provocation – whether the totality principle applied – whether sentence manifestly excessive – appeal dismissed. Legislation Cited: Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) ss 35(3), 93C(1) Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) – ss 3A, 9, 10(1)(b), 10A, 21A, 54B(4), 54B(7) Cases Cited: AK v Regina [2020] NSWCCA 194 Aslan v R [2014] NSWCCA 114 Bugmy v The Queen (2013) 249 CLR 571; [2013] HCA 37 Cahyadi v Regina (2007) 168 A Crim R 41; [2007] NSWCCA 1 Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) v De La Rosa (2010) 205 A Crim R 1; [2010] NSWCCA 194 Dungay v R [2020] NSWCCA 209 House v R (1936) 55 CLR 499; [1936] HCA 40 JJ v R [2020] NSWCCA 165 Kliendienst v R [2020] NSWCCA 98 R v De Simoni (1981) 147 CLR 383; [1981] HCA 31 R v Loveridge (2014) 243 A Crim R 31; [2014] NSWCCA 120 R v Wood (2014) 244 A Crim R 501; [2014] NSWCCA 184 Regina v Baker [2000] NSWCCA 85 Regina v XX (2009) 195 A Crim R 38; [2009] NSWCCA 115 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Benjamin John Harkin – Applicant Regina – Respondent Crown Representation: Counsel: P Segal – Applicant B Hatfield – Respondent Crown