SafeWork NSW v Meoushy [2023] NSWDC 498

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: SafeWork NSW v Meoushy [2023] NSWDC 498 Hearing dates: 25 October 2023 Date of orders: 17 November 2023 Decision date: 17 November 2023 Jurisdiction: Criminal Before: Strathdee DCJ Decision: (1) The defendant is convicted. (2) The appropriate fine for the offence is $6,000.00, and that will be reduced by 25% to reflect the plea of guilty. (3) Accordingly, I order the defendant to pay a fine of $4,500.00. (4) Pursuant to s 122(2) of the Fines Act 1996 (NSW), 50% of the fine imposed is to be paid to the prosecutor. (5) Pursuant to s 257B of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW), the defendant is to pay the prosecutor's costs, as agreed or assessed. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – failure to notify the regulator of a notifiable incident SENTENCE – objective seriousness – mitigating factors – aggravating factors – plea of guilty – appropriate discount for the utility of the plea – general deterrence – specific deterrence – remorse and contrition – maximum penalties COSTS – prosecutor's costs Legislation Cited: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) Fines Act 1996 (NSW) Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) Cases Cited: Bulga Underground Operations v Nash (2016) 93 NSWLR 338 Capral Aluminium Ltd v WorkCover Authority (NSW) (2000) 49 NSWLR 610 Environmental Protection Authority v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246 Haynes v CI & D Manufacturing (No 2), Callaghan v CI & D Industries Pty Limited (No 2) (1995) 60 IR 455 Latoudis v Casey (1990) 170 CLR 534 Lawrenson Diecasting Pty Ltd v WorkCover Authority (NSW) (1999) 90 IR 464 Markarian v The Queen (2005) 228 CLR 357 Muldrock v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 120 Nash v Silver City Drilling (NSW) Pty Ltd [2017] NSWCCA 96 R v Cage [2006] NSWCCA 304 R v MA [2004] NSWCCA 92 R v Miria [2009] NSWCCA 68 R v MMK [2006] NSWCCA 272 R v Thomson & Houlton (2000) 49 NSWLR 383 SafeWork NSW v HCM Building Pty Ltd [2019] NSWDC 632 WorkCover Authority (NSW) v Profab Industries Pty Ltd (2000) 49 NSWLR 700 Category: Sentence Parties: SafeWork NSW (Prosecutor) Alex Meoushy (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: Mr D Nagle (for the Prosecutor) Ms E James (for the Defendant)