Environment Protection Authority v Coggins [2003] NSWLEC 111

> Reported Decision : (2003) 126 LGERA 310

Land and Environment Court of New South Wales

CITATION : Environment Protection Authority v Coggins [2003] NSWLEC 111 PROSECUTOR Environment Protection Authority PARTIES : DEFENDANT Craig Coggins FILE NUMBER(S) : 50129 of 2001; 50130 of 2001 CORAM: Cowdroy J KEY ISSUES: Prosecution :- toxic chemicals discharged into waterway - plea of guilty - assessment of penalty - sentencing principles - general deterrence - character evidence - co-operation with law authorities Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, s 3A, s 8(2), s 10, s 21A, s 22, s 22A, s 23, s 86, Sch 2 cl 45 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Standard Minimum Sentencing) Act 2002 LEGISLATION CITED: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Regulation 2000, cl 23 Land and Environment Court Act 1979, s 52 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, s 116, s 119, s 120, s 241, s 246, s 247 Axer Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357; Cameron v R (2002) 76 ALJR 382; Environment Protection Authority v Ecolab Pty Limited (2002) 123 LGERA 269; Environment Protection Authority v Rail Infrastructure Corporation (2002) 119 LGERA 409; Environment Protection Authority v Warringah Golf Club [2003] NSWLEC 140; Maxwell v The Queen (1995) 185 CLR 501; CASES CITED: R v Storey [1998] 1 VR 359; R v Thomson; R v Houlton (2000) 49 NSWLR 383; Regina v Jenkins [1999] NSWCCA 110; Regina v O'Neill [1979] 2 NSWLR 582; Ryan v The Queen (2001) 206 CLR 267; State Pollution Control Commission v White Wings Limited (Bignold J, Land and Environment Court, 1 November 1991, unreported); T v R (1990) A Crim R 29; The Queen v Olbrich (1999) 199 CLR 270 DATES OF HEARING: 28/04/2003; 29/04/2003; 30/04/2003; 01/05/2003 DATE OF JUDGMENT: 06/20/2003