Butler v R
[2023] NSWCCA 100
At a glance
Source factsCourt
Court of Criminal Appeal (NSW)
Decision date
2023-03-27
Before
Beech-Jones CJ, Adams J, Yehia J
Catchwords
- [2013] HCA 37 Fenech v R [2018] NSWCCA 160 Green v The Queen
- Quinn v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 462
- [2011] HCA 49 Huckstadt v R [2016] NSWCCA 22 Kentwell v The Queen (2014) 252 CLR]
- [2014] HCA 37 Lloyd v R [2017] NSWCCA 303 Lowe v The Queen (1984) 154 CLR 606
Source
Original judgment source is linked above.
Catchwords
Judgment (17 paragraphs)
HEADNOTE [This headnote is not to be read as part of the judgment] The applicant, Mr Butler, along with three other co-offenders, pleaded guilty to being part of a joint criminal enterprise to import and sell counterfeit Australia Post Pre-paid satchels, contrary to s 148(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth). The applicant was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months imprisonment, to be released under a recognizance release order after serving 1 year and 2 months of that term. His co-offender, DM, was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for the same offence. DM faced an additional offence for which he received 6 months imprisonment and after the sentences were partially accumulated, DM received a total sentence of 2 years and 3 months imprisonment. DM designed and orchestrated the scheme and directed the applicant and the other co-offenders. He also presented a very powerful subjective case on sentence. The applicant sought leave to appeal against his sentence on two grounds: Ground 1: The sentencing judge failed to assess the applicant's prospects of rehabilitation and risk of reoffending; and Ground 2: The applicant has a justifiable sense of grievance in relation to the sentence imposed upon him as compared with the sentence imposed upon [DM]. The court held, allowing the appeal and re-sentencing the applicant (per N Adams J, Beech-Jones CJ at CL and Yehia J agreeing): In respect of ground 1 (upheld) 1. Under the s 16A(2)(n) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), the sentencing court must take into account the offender's prospects of rehabilitation (if relevant and known to the court). Evidence of the applicant's rehabilitation was relevant on the facts of the case and there was significant material known to the sentencing court. Pogson v R [2012] NSWCCA 225 at [102], discussed; R v Boughen; R v Cameron [2012] NSWCCA 17 at [116]-[117], discussed. 1. The sentencing judge made no finding as to whether the applicant had good prospects of rehabilitation, despite making positive findings in relation to the other co-offenders. In respect of ground 2 (upheld) 1. The court will interfere in a sentence where the disparity in sentences between co-offenders is such as to give rise to a justifiable sense of grievance, or to give the appearance that justice has not been done. The disparity must be marked, unjustified or manifest to warrant appellate intervention. Postiglione v The Queen (1997) 189 CLR 295; [1997] HCA 26 at 301, applied; Lowe v The Queen (1984) 154 CLR 606; [1992] HCA 29 at 610, 613, applied; Green v The Queen; Quinn v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 462; [2011] HCA 49 at [31], applied. 1. The nub of the question for determination is whether the differentiation made by the judge was open to him in the exercise of his discretion. Lloyd v R [2017] NSWCCA 303 at [97], applied. 1. While DM had a greater degree of criminality than the applicant, it was open to the sentencing judge to significantly ameliorate his sentence given his strong subjective case. 2. However, the applicant also presented a positive subjective case. Having regard to the relative objective and subjective features between the applicant and DM, the applicant established the basis for a justifiable sense of grievance because he received a higher sentence than DM when the latter's role was more significant. Re-sentence 1. The applicant is sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 2 years to commence on 14 June 2022 and expire on 13 June 2024. He is to be released pursuant to a recognisance release order on 13 May 2023 conditional upon him being of good behaviour and agreeing to forfeit the sum of $1,000 should he be in breach of that order.