Thomas v R [2019] NSWCCA 265

Court of Criminal Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Thomas v R [2019] NSWCCA 265 Hearing dates: 27 September 2019 Date of orders: 08 November 2019 Decision date: 08 November 2019 Before: Payne JA at [1]; Fullerton J at [67]; Adamson J at [68] Decision: (1) Application for leave to appeal against sentence allowed. (2) Appeal allowed. (3) Quash each of the sentences imposed by Herbert DCJ on 20 April 2018 and in lieu thereof impose an aggregate sentence of 11 years imprisonment commencing on 19 July 2016 and expiring on 18 July 2027 with a non-parole period of 8 years expiring on 18 July 2024. The first day on which the applicant will be eligible to release on parole is 18 July 2024. Catchwords: CRIME – appeals – appeal against sentence – manifest excess – sexual offences against four child victims – 13 counts of indecent assault and 2 counts of aggravated incite act of indecency – individual sentence imposed for each count – total effective sentence of 11 years imprisonment and 8 years non-parole period – most of the individual sentences imposed were manifestly excessive – set aside individual sentences – re-sentence to aggregate sentence of 11 years imprisonment and 8 years non-parole period Legislation Cited: Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), ss 61M, 61O Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), ss 5, 21A(5A), 53A Criminal Appeal Act 1912 (NSW), s 6 Cases Cited: Azzopardi v The Queen (2011) 35 VR 43; [2011] VSCA 372 Barbaro v The Queen (2014) 253 CLR 58; [2014] HCA 2 Bray v R [2018] NSWCCA 301 Clinch v R (1994) 72 A Crim R 301 Corby v R [2010] NSWCCA 146 Dinsdale v The Queen (2000) 202 CLR 321; [2000] HCA 54 DL v The Queen [2018] HCA 32; 92 ALJR 764 Hili v The Queen (2010) 242 CLR 520; [2010] HCA 45 Jarvis v The Queen (1993) 20 WAR 201 Kentwell v The Queen (2014) 252 CLR 601; [2014] HCA 37 Markarian v The Queen (2001) 228 CLR 357; [2005] HCA 25 Nantahkum v R [2013] ACTCA 40; 279 FLR 148 R v Barry [2011] QCA 119 R v MAK [2006] NSWCCA 381; 167 A Crim R 159 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Matthew Brunel Thomas (Applicant) Regina (Respondent) Representation: Counsel: R Wilson SC (Applicant) D Patch (Respondent)