R v Susan Dowdle [2018] NSWSC 240

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: R v Susan Dowdle [2018] NSWSC 240 Hearing dates: 1 March 2018 Date of orders: 01 March 2018 Decision date: 01 March 2018 Jurisdiction: Common Law Before: Hamill J Decision: (1) Sentenced to a non-parole period of two years commencing on 23 January 2016 and expiring on 22 January 2018.

(2) There will be a balance of term of one year commencing on 23 January 2018 and expiring on 22 January 2019.

(3) Direct that Ms Dowdle be released from custody forthwith. Catchwords: CRIME – sentencing – manslaughter – substantial impairment – mercy killing – where mother kills her disabled adult son – victim sedated and asphyxiated – where mother cared for son for many years before killing – victim an alcohol, drug user and abusive – mother suffering severe depressive episode – underlying bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia – exhaustion – intensely sad case – tragic personal history – good character – vulnerable victim – offence in victim's home – where offender had spent over two years in custody – offender to be released from custody forthwith Legislation Cited: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, ss 3A, 21A Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006 Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999, s 158 Cases Cited: R v Dawes [2004] NSWCCA 363 Category: Sentence Parties: Regina (Crown) Susan Dowdle (Offender) Representation: Counsel: Mr L Carr (Crown) Ms J Manuell (Offender)

Solicitors: DPP Legal Aid File Number(s): 2016/00023236 Publication restriction: Nil