R v James [2017] NSWCCA 287

Court of Criminal Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: R v James [2017] NSWCCA 287 Hearing dates: 16 November 2017 Date of orders: 30 November 2017 Decision date: 30 November 2017 Before: Chief Justice Bathurst at [1]; Hoeben CJ at CL at [2]; Button J at [81] Decision: (1) The Crown appeal is allowed. (2) The sentence imposed by Delaney ADCJ at Parramatta on 31 July 2017 is quashed. (3) In lieu thereof the respondent is sentenced to an aggregate sentence of imprisonment for 12 years and 3 months, commencing 18 November 2015 and expiring 17 February 2028, with a non-parole period of 8 years, expiring 17 November 2023. Catchwords: CROWN APPEAL – manufacture a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and possession of unauthorised pistols – mathematical error in calculation of sentence – whether sentence actually passed manifestly inadequate – whether lack of consistency in sentences imposed for possession of unauthorised pistols – whether sentence properly accumulated to comply with requirements of totality – manifest inadequacy established – whether residual discretion should apply – Crown appeal allowed – need to re-sentence. Legislation Cited: Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – s 193C Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 – s 3A Criminal Appeal Act 1912 (NSW) – s 5D Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) – s 24 Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) – s 7 Cases Cited: Bugmy v The Queen [2013] HCA 37; 249 CLR 571 Cahyadi v Regina [2007] NSWCCA 1; 168 A Crim R 41 Caristo v R [2011] NSWCCA 7 CMB v Attorney-General (NSW) [2015] HCA 9; 256 CLR 346 Dang v R [2013] NSWCCA 246; 237 A Crim R 522 Dinsdale v The Queen [2000] HCA 54; 202 CLR 321 Director of Public Prosecutions v Dalgleish (a pseudonym) [2017] HCA 41 Everett v The Queen [1994] HCA 49; 181 CLR 295 Green v The Queen; Quinn v The Queen [2011] HCA 49; 244 CLR 462 Griffiths v The Queen [1977] HCA 44; 137 CLR 293 Hili v The Queen; Jones v The Queen [2010] HCA 45; 242 CLR 520 House v the King [1936] HCA 40; 55 CLR 499 Kentwell v The Queen [2014] HCA 37; 252 CLR 601 Lehn v R [2016] NSWCCA 255 Markarian v The Queen [2005] HCA 25; 228 CLR 357 R v GWM [2012] NSWCCA 240 R v Janceski [2005] NSWCCA 288 Taysavang v R; Lee v R [2017] NSWCCA 146 Wong v The Queen; Leung v The Queen [2001] HCA 64; 207 CLR 584 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Regina – Applicant Crown Matthew Fredrick James – Respondent Representation: Counsel: B Baker – Applicant Crown Dr GD Woods QC – Respondent