EPA v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246

New South Wales Court of Criminal Appeal

CITATION: EPA v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246 This decision has been amended. Please see the end of the judgment for a list of the amendments.

HEARING DATE(S): 14/07/06

JUDGMENT DATE: 17 August 2006

JUDGMENT OF: Mason P at 1; Kirby J at 2; Hoeben J at 92

DECISION: Appeals dismissed.

CATCHWORDS: Appeal against decision of Land and Environment Court of NSW - two offences of dumping septic waste - pleas of guilty - fined plus costs, total $20,000 - whether manifestly inadequate - deterrence - totality - matter could be prosecuted in Local Court - limited means to pay - owned house subject to large mortgage.

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 LEGISLATION CITED: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 Fines Act 1996

Camilleri's Stock Feeds P/L v EPA (1993) 32 NSWLR 683 Axer P/L v EPA (1993) 113 LGERA 357 Bentley v BGP Properties P/L [2006] NSWLEC 34 EPA v Fernando & Anor [2003] NSWLEC 281 R v Mill (1988) 166 CLR 59 R v Holder (1983) 3 NSWLR 245 Pearce v The Queen (1998) 194 CLR 610 Johnson v The Queen (2004) 205 ALR 346 CASES CITED: R v Crombie [1999] NSWCCA 297 R v Doan (2000) 50 NSWLR 115 EPA v Obaid [2005] NSWLEC 171 R v Rahme (1989) 43 A Crim R 81 Smith v The Queen (1991) 25 NSWLR 1 R v Trevenna [2004] NSWCCA 43 R v George [2004] NSWCCA 247 EPA v Davis [2005] NSWLEC 643 R v Allpass (1993) 72 A Crim R 561