Sorensen v R [2016] NSWCCA 54

Court of Criminal Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Sorensen v R [2016] NSWCCA 54 Hearing dates: 17 November 2015 Date of orders: 14 April 2016 Decision date: 14 April 2016 Before: Ward JA at [1]; Adams J at [147]; Bellew J at [148] Decision: 1. Grant an extension of time until 31 July 2015 to file the notice of appeal against conviction. 2. Appeal against conviction dismissed. 3. Grant leave to appeal against sentence. 4. Appeal against sentence allowed. 5. Sentences imposed by the primary judge are quashed. 6. In lieu thereof, Michael Christian Sorensen is sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 10 years commencing on 24 May 2013 and expiring on 23 May 2023, with a non-parole period of 7 years to expire on 23 May 2020. 7. The earliest date on which Mr Sorensen will be eligible for release on parole is 24 May 2020. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – sentence appeal – assault and detain with intent to obtain advantage – whether sentencing judge erred in taking into account "vigilante nature" of offending as aggravating factor where punishment of victim is element of offence – whether sentence manifestly excessive

CRIMINAL LAW – conviction appeal – whether verdict unreasonable or insupportable having regard to evidence Legislation Cited: Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), ss 59(2), 61M(1), 86(3), 95(1), 114(1)(a) Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), s 21A Criminal Appeal Act 1912 (NSW), s 6(1) Cases Cited: Barlow v R [2008] NSWCCA 96; (2008) 184 A Crim R 187 Hanze v R [2006] NSWCCA 36 Jones v The Queen [1997] HCA 56; (1997) 191 CLR 439 Kentwell v The Queen [2014] HCA 37; (2014) 252 CLR 601 MFA v The Queen [2002] HCA 53; (2002) 213 CLR 606 Morrison v R [2014] NSWCCA 199 M v The Queen [1994] HCA 63; (1994) 181 CLR 487 R v Kelly [2005] NSWCCA 280; (2005) 155 A Crim R 499 R v Mitchell; R v Gallagher [2007] NSWCCA 296; (2007) 177 A Crim R 94 R v Speechley [2012] NSWCCA 130; (2012) 221 A Crim R 175 R v Swan [2006] NSWCCA 47 R v Tuuta [2014] NSWCCA 40; (2014) 239 A Crim R 399 RLS v R [2012] NSWCCA 236 SKA v The Queen [2011] HCA 13; (2011) 243 CLR 400 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Michael Christian Sorensen (Appellant) Director of Public Prosecutions (Respondent) Representation: Counsel: DA Marr (Appellant) PG Ingram SC (Respondent)