R v Nolan [2017] NSWCCA 91

Court of Criminal Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: R v Nolan [2017] NSWCCA 91 Hearing dates: 24 April 2017 Date of orders: 10 May 2017 Decision date: 10 May 2017 Before: Hoeben CJ at CL at [1]; Price J at [2]; Fullerton J at [98] Decision: (1) Crown appeal allowed. (2) Sentence imposed in the District Court of New South Wales on 6 December 2016 is quashed. (3) In lieu therefore, the respondent is sentenced to imprisonment for 15 years 3 months consisting of a non-parole period of 11 years 6 months commencing on 24 October 2014 and expiring on 23 April 2026, with a balance of term of 3 years 9 months commencing on 24 April 2026 and expiring on 23 January 2030. (4) The earliest date that the respondent will be eligible to be released on parole is 23 April 2026. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – Crown appeal against sentence – one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent – whether offence fell into worst category – whether error in finding of objective seriousness in high range – whether sentence manifestly inadequate – life threatening injuries inflicted on 7 month old with consequent severe disabilities – need for general deterrence – sentence manifestly inadequate – whether residual discretion should be exercised – re-sentence Legislation Cited: Crimes Act 1900, s 33(1)(b) Criminal Appeal Act 1912, s 5D Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, ss 2(k), 2(l), 21A(2)(g), 21A(2)(ib), 21A(3) Cases Cited: Bugmy v The Queen (2013) 249 CLR 571; [2013] HCA 37 CMB v Attorney General for New South Wales (2015)256 CLR 346; [2015] HCA 9 Green v The Queen; Quinn v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 462; [2011] HCA 49 Hili v The Queen (2010) 242 CLR 520; [2010] HCA 45 Little v R [2010] NSWCCA 210 Lowndes v The Queen (1999) 195 CLR 655; [1999] HCA 29 R v Barker [2016] NSWCCA 193 R v Kilic (2016) 339 ALR 229; [2016] HCA 48 R v Mitchell, R v Gallagher (2007) 177 A Crim R 94; [2007] NSWCCA 296 R v Twala (Court of Criminal Appeal (NSW), 4 November 1994, unrep) Category: Principal judgment Parties: Regina (Applicant) Andrew John Nolan (Respondent) Representation: Counsel: Mr E Balodis (Applicant) Ms M Avernell (Respondent)