Regina v Sharp [2001] NSWSC 842

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Regina v Sharp [2001] NSWSC 842 FILE NUMBER(S) : SC 96/016 HEARING DATE(S) : 23/02/01;27/04/01 JUDGMENT DATE : 27 September 2001

PARTIES : Regina v Brett Francis Sharp JUDGMENT OF : O'Keefe J

COUNSEL : Crown : Mr M Grogan Applicant: Mr C B Craigie SOLICITORS : Crown: S E O'Connor Applicant: Legal Aid CATCHWORDS : Re-determination of life sentence - Rape and murder by young person - Effects of alcohol and drugs - Applicant in custody 13-1/2 years - Protective custody - Educational and other courses undertaken by applicant - Good prison reports - Risk of re-offending low - Need for time to prepare applicant for civilian life - Need for period of supervision in civilian life after release LEGISLATION CITED : Sentencing Act 1989 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 AB v The Queen (1999) 198 CLR 111 at 152 R v AB (No 2) [2000] NSWCCA, 6 December 2000 unreported at pp 9-12, paras 22-23 R v Lowe (1977) 66 Cr App R 122 R v Davis (1978) 68 Cr App R 319 CASES CITED : R v Perez Vargas (1986) 8 NSWLR 559 R v Cartwright (1989) 17 NSWLR 243 R v Gallagher (1991) 23 NSWLR 220 The Queen v Golding (1980) 24 SASR 161 R v Hayes (1981) 3 A Crim R 286 WA DECISION : The Applicant is sentenced to imprisonment for 21 years. The sentence of imprisonment for 21 years will commence on the date from which the original sentences dated, namely 28 April 1988 and terminate on 27 April 2009. I fix a non--parole period of 16 years to commence on 28 April 1988 and terminate on 27 April 2004, on which date the Applicant will become eligible for release on parole.