R v Dent [2016] NSWSC 444

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: R v Dent [2016] NSWSC 444 Hearing dates: 15 April 2016 Decision date: 15 April 2016 Before: R A Hulme J Decision: Imprisonment for 42 years with a non-parole period of 32 years Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – sentence – murder – robbery in company – planned attack by four men – very serious example of murder – on bail at time of offence – no favourable subjective features – extensive criminal history resulting in institutionalisation – purposes of sentencing call for more severe penalty – very bleak prospects of rehabilitation CRIMINAL LAW – sentence – contempt of court – very serious examples of the offence type – use of foul and abusive language – use of violence against co-accused – threats made against trial judge Legislation Cited: Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) ss 18, 326 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) ss 3A, 22, 61 Cases Cited: Director of Public Prosecutions v John Fairfax & Sons Ltd (1987) 8 NSWLR 732 Prothonotary v Wilson [1999] NSWSC 1148 R v Whiley (1993) 31 NSWLR 314 Steven Smith (No. 2) [2015] NSWSC 1141 Category: Sentence Parties: Regina Anthony Richard Dent Representation: Counsel: Ms M Cunneen SC (Crown) Mr M Austin (Offender)

Solicitors: Solicitor for Public Prosecutions Aboriginal Legal Service File Number(s): 2014/102198

Judgment 1. HIS HONOUR: The offender, Anthony Richard Dent, is to be sentenced for the murder and robbery in company inflicting grievous bodily harm of Mr Anthony Thomas O'Grady at Wickham on 25 March 2014. He pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury in a trial in Sydney in February this year. 2. The offender is also to be sentenced for three offences of contempt of court to which he has pleaded guilty. These relate to his conduct in court during pre-trial hearings.