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[2013] NSWSC 1761
Supreme Court of NSW
2013-06-20
Johnson J
Original judgment source is linked above.
ars commencing on 4 July 2018 and expiring on 3 July 2020. For Count 5, the armed robbery of Maxine Rogers at Warwick Farm on 1 July 2010, sentenced to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 4 July 2015 and expiring on 3 July 2022, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 4 July 2022 and expiring on 3 July 2025. For Count 8, the armed robbery of Tracey Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, sentenced to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 4 July 2017 and expiring on 3 July 2024, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 4 July 2024 and expiring on 3 July 2027. For Count 9, conspiracy to murder at Sydney on or about 3 July 2010, sentenced to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of nine years commencing on 4 July 2020 an expiring on 3 July 2029, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 4 July 2029 and expiring on 3 July 2032. For Count 11, possession of a prohibited firearm at Miller on 4 July 2010, sentenced to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of three years commencing on 4 July 2020 and expiring on 3 July 2023, with a balance of term of one year commencing on 4 July 2023 and expiring on 3 July 2024. For Count 6, the murder of Kesley Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, sentenced to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of 17 years commencing on 4 July 2023 and expiring on 3 July 2040, with a balance of term of seven years commencing on 4 July 2040 and expiring on 3 July 2047. The earliest date upon which Mohammad Jawad Karimi will be eligible for release on parole is 3 July 2040. The total effective sentence for Mohammad Jawad Karimi is one comprising a non-parole period of 30 years, with a balance of term of seven years. Mahdi Mir For Count 5, the armed robbery of Maxine Rogers at Warwick Farm on 1 July 2010, sentenced to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 22 July 2010 and expiring on 21 July 2017, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 22 July 2017 and expiring on 21 July 2020. For Count 8, the armed robbery of Tracey Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, sentenced to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 22 July 2012 and expiring on 21 July 2019, with a balance of term of four years commencing on 22 July 2019 and expiring on 21 July 2023. For Count 6, the murder of Kesley Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, sentenced to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of 19 years commencing on 22 July 2015 and expiring on 21 July 2034, with a balance of term of seven years commencing on 22 July 2034 and expiring on 21 July 2041. The earliest date upon which Mahdi Mir will be eligible for release on parole is 21 July 2034. The total effective sentence imposed for Mahdi Mir is one comprising a non-parole period of 24 years, with a balance of term of seven years. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW - sentencing after trial - murder - specially aggravated break, enter and steal (with wounding) - armed robbery - conspiracy to murder - recruit person to criminal group - possession of prohibited firearm - home invasions committed over three-day period - invaders armed with machete and shortened firearm (29 June 2010 offences) and meat cleavers (1 July 2010 offences) - occupant at one home seriously injured - occupant of another home killed whilst resisting invaders - offenders members of criminal group - leader of group (Khoury) and his senior assistant (Karimi) - Mir an armed invader in two home invasions on same night (the second involving murder) - objective gravity of offences - importance of specific and general deterrence - accumulation, concurrency and totality Legislation Cited: Crimes Act 1900 Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Standard Non-Parole Periods) Act 2013 Firearms Act 1996 Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 Cases Cited: Green v The Queen [2011] HCA 49; 244 CLR 462 Haines v R [2012] NSWCCA 238 Jimmy v R [2010] NSWCCA 60; 77 NSWLR 540 Muldrock v The Queen [2011] HCA 39; 244 CLR 120 Paxton v R [2011] NSWCCA 242; 219 A Crim R 104 R v Isaacs (1997) 41 NSWLR 374 R v Knight [2005] NSWCCA 253; 155 A Crim R 252 R v MA; R v Byquar; R v Ramos [2012] NSWSC 1527 R v MAK [2006] NSWCCA 381; 167 A Crim R 159 R v Murrell [2012] NSWCCA 90 R v Natuba; R v Tamapua [2012] NSWSC 1569 R v Pham and Ly (1991) 55 A Crim R 128 R v Previtera (1997) 94 A Crim R 76 Ta'ala v R [2008] NSWCCA 132 The Queen v Olbrich [1999] HCA 54; 199 CLR 270 Wahl v State of Tasmania [2012] TASCCA 5 Texts Cited: --- Category: Sentence Parties: Regina (Crown) Mohammad Jawad Karimi (Accused) John Khoury (Accused) Mahdi Mir (Accused) Representation: Counsel: Mr KL McKay (Crown) Mr E Wasilenia (Karimi) Mr A Radojev (Khoury) Mr DN Stewart (Mir) Solicitors: Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) (Crown) Crimlaw (NSW) Pty Limited (Karimi) Macquarie Lawyers Burwood (Khoury) Shiranica Danieli Lawyers (Mir) File Number(s): 2010/223311; 2010/324901 (Karimi) 2010/323677 (Khoury) 2010/244495 (Mir) Publication restriction: ---
REMARKS ON SENTENCE 1JOHNSON J: Following a three-month trial, John Khoury ("Khoury"), Mohammad Jawad Karimi ("Karimi") and Mahdi Mir ("Mir") were convicted by a jury on 20 June 2013 of a number of serious offences. 2A sentencing hearing proceeded on several days and concluded on 11 October 2013. I remanded the Offenders for sentence today. 3As will be seen, the offences were committed by members of a criminal group in late June and early July 2010. Khoury was the leader and principal organiser of the group. Karimi was his senior assistant. The offences included home invasions committed by armed young men on 29 June 2010 and 1 July 2010. 4Khoury and Karimi did not enter the premises, but played critical organisational roles. Mir participated in two home invasion offences on 1 July 2010, whilst armed with a meat cleaver, with a young man being murdered in the course of the second offence. 5Khoury and Karimi were involved in further offences on 4 July 2010, where armed members of the group were travelling to what would have been a violent and lethal confrontation with other persons at Miller, prevented only by police interception of the vehicle carrying the armed members.
The Offences 6Khoury was convicted by the jury of the following offences: (a)Count 1 - on 29 June 2010 at Villawood - conspiracy to commit armed robbery of Ernesto Bertolli (a common law offence with the maximum penalty under s.97(2) Crimes Act 1900 of imprisonment for 25 years as a reference point); (b)Count 2 - on 29 June 2010 at Ashcroft - specially aggravated break, enter and steal involving the wounding of James Stiff (s.112(3) Crimes Act 1900 - maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment with a standard non-parole period of seven years); (c)Count 4 - on 1 July 2010 at Chester Hill - recruiting Tomasi Natuba to carry out a criminal activity, robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon (s.351A(1) Crimes Act 1900 - maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment); (d)Count 5 - on 1 July 2010 at Warwick Farm - armed robbery of Maxine Rogers (s.97(1) Crimes Act 1900 - maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment); (e)Count 6 - on 1 July 2010 at Lurnea - murder of Kesley Burgess (s.18(1)(a) Crimes Act 1900 - maximum penalty of life imprisonment with a standard non-parole period of 20 years); (f)Count 8 - on 1 July 2010 at Lurnea - robbery of Tracey Burgess whilst armed with an offensive weapon (s.97(1) Crimes Act 1900 - maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment); (g)Count 9 - on or about 3 July 2010 at Sydney - conspiracy to murder an unknown person (s.26 Crimes Act 1900 - maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment with a standard non-parole period of 10 years); (h)Count 12 - between 29 June 2010 and 4 July 2010 at Villawood - possession of a prohibited firearm, a shortened .22 calibre long rifle (s.7(1) Firearms Act 1996 - maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment with a standard non-parole period of three years). 7Karimi was convicted by the jury of the following offences: (a)Count 1 - on 29 June 2010 at Villawood - conspiracy to commit armed robbery of Ernesto Bertolli; (b)Count 2 - on 29 June 2010 at Ashcroft - specially aggravated break, enter and steal involving the wounding of James Stiff; (c)Count 5 - on 1 July 2010 at Warwick Farm - armed robbery of Maxine Rogers; (d)Count 6 - on 1 July 2010 at Lurnea - murder of Kesley Burgess; (e)Count 8 - on 1 July 2010 at Lurnea - armed robbery of Tracey Burgess; (f)Count 9 - on or about 3 July 2010 at Sydney - conspiracy to murder; (g)Count 11 - on 4 July 2010 at Miller - possession of a prohibited firearm, a shortened .22 calibre long rifle (s.7(1) Firearms Act 1996 - maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment with a standard non-parole period of three years). 8Mir was convicted by the jury of the following offences: (a)Count 5 - on 1 July 2010 at Warwick Farm - armed robbery of Maxine Rogers; (b)Count 6 - on 1 July 2010 at Lurnea - murder of Kesley Burgess; (c)Count 8 - on 1 July 2010 at Lurnea - armed robbery of Tracey Burgess. 9Counts 3, 7 and 10 on the indictment alleged alternative counts, in the event that the jury acquitted on several of the principal counts. Given the verdicts of guilty on the principal counts, it was not necessary to take verdicts on the alternative counts.
The Offenders and Their Associates in June-July 2010 10The Offenders committed a range of serious crimes of violence in a period between 29 June 2010 and 4 July 2010. 11Other persons were involved in a number of these crimes. They have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced (or will soon be sentenced). Four of these persons gave evidence for the Crown in the trial of the present Offenders. These persons will be mentioned in the factual narrative to be given shortly. 12At this point, it is useful to list all persons who were prosecuted for these matters (including the Offenders), and their ages at the time of the offences: (a)Khoury (29 years old); (b)Karimi (22 years old); (c)Ray Tuki ("Tuki") (20 years old); (d)Anaterea Tamapua ("Tamapua") (20 years old); (e)John Bautista ("Bautista") (21 yeas old); (f)Richard Vergara ("Vergara") (19 years old); (g)Tomasi Natuba ("Natuba") (19 years old); (h)David Ramos ("Ramos") (18 years old); (i)MA (17 years and eight months old); (j)Thomas Byquar ("Byquar") (18 years old); (k)CB (17 years and five months old); (l)Aimee Walsh ("Walsh"), Khoury's girlfriend (18 years old); (m)John Unasa (19 years old). 13Of the persons mentioned in the preceding paragraph: (a)MA, Byquar and Ramos were sentenced by me (for murder and other offences) on 11 December 2012: R v MA; R v Byquar; R v Ramos [2012] NSWSC 1527; (b)Natuba and Tamapua were sentenced by me (for murder and other offences) on 13 December 2012: R v Natuba; R v Tamapua [2012] NSWSC 1569; (c)Vergara and Bautista were sentenced by his Honour Judge Arnott SC in the District Court on 3 August 2012; (d)CB was sentenced by his Honour Judge Arnott SC in the District Court on 8 August 2012; (e)Walsh was sentenced by his Honour Judge Arnott SC in the District Court on 12 December 2012; (f)Unasa and Byquar are to appear at a sentencing hearing in the District Court on 2 December 2013 (Byquar for matters separate from those for which he was sentenced in this Court on 11 December 2012); (g)Tuki is to be sentenced by me on 13 December 2013; (h)Khoury, Karimi and Mir appear for sentence today. 14At the trial of the Offenders, the Crown called (from the above list), the following persons who were prepared to give evidence for the Crown: (a)Tamapua; (b)Natuba; (c)Bautista; (d)Unasa. 15In addition, the Crown called persons who were associated with one or more of the charged persons. These were: (a)Witness A, the partner of Tamapua; (b)Shane Kraak ("Kraak"), an associate of Tamapua; (c)Kayla Rosso, the partner of Tuki; (d)Eliza Brown, a friend of Mir.
Fact Finding on Sentence 16It falls to me as the trial Judge to determine punishment and, for that purpose, to make findings of fact relevant to sentencing. The primary constraint is that the view of the facts adopted by me for the purposes of sentencing must be consistent with the verdicts of the jury: R v Isaacs (1997) 41 NSWLR 374 at 377-378. 17The Court may not take facts into account on sentence, in a way that is adverse to the interests of the offender, unless those facts have been established beyond reasonable doubt. On the other hand, if there are matters which the offender relies upon to reduce penalty, it is enough if those matters are proved by the offender on the balance of probabilities: The Queen v Olbrich [1999] HCA 54; 199 CLR 270 at 281 [27]-[28]. 18The Crown submitted that the findings of fact can be identified readily from the verdicts of the jury, in light of the directions relevant to each charge. The Crown submitted that the Court should conclude that the jury accepted: (a)the uncontested evidence of James Stiff, Maxine Rogers and Tracey Burgess; (b)the evidence which implicated the Offenders given by Tamapua, Natuba and Eliza Brown; (c)the evidence of Bautista, Kraak and Witness A to the extent that it supported the evidence of Tamapua, Natuba and Eliza Brown; (d)telephone intercept evidence relevant to the conspiracy to murder and possess prohibited firearm counts against Khoury and Karimi (Counts 9, 11 and 12); (e)evidence against Karimi of conversations recorded by listening devices located in the cells at the Liverpool Police Station on 4-5 July 2010. 19Put shortly, the Crown case involved a combination of direct evidence given by witnesses testifying as to the criminal involvement of the Offenders in the offences charged, CCTV and photographic evidence (from a variety of sources), records of telephone calls made from one number to another over a period of days and the locations of the calling and receiving telephones at the time, forensic evidence (including DNA, blood and fingerprint evidence) together with the telephone intercept and listening device evidence. In addition, the Crown relied upon inferences to be drawn from a variety of circumstances, which served to fortify the direct evidence implicating each Offender for each of the offences charged. 20Khoury gave evidence at the trial. His evidence supported the Crown case in a number of significant respects. To the extent that his evidence asserted innocent explanations for otherwise incriminating events, it is clear from the verdicts that the jury rejected it. This was understandable, as important aspects of Khoury's evidence were quite implausible. No other witness was called in Khoury's case. 21Karimi and Mir did not give evidence, nor were any witnesses called on their behalf at trial. 22In my view, the Crown case against each Offender was very strong. The verdicts of the jury were entirely understandable. 23Counsel for each of the Offenders did not contest that the following factual narrative arose from the verdicts of the jury, and could be found as facts for the purpose of sentence. 24I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of the following facts. 25In June 2010, Khoury was living with Walsh in a townhouse-style unit at Villawood. Living in another unit, at the same address, was Tuki and his partner, Kayla Rosso. The Villawood unit complex was referred to as "the Compound". 26In June 2010, Tamapua and his partner, Witness A, were residing at Claymore. Tamapua had been involved in robbery-type offences with other young men, some of whom came to be involved in the present offences. These included Vergara, Bautista, Kraak, MA and CB. Khoury Meets Tamapua - An Alliance is Formed 27As at June 2010, Khoury was a drug dealer, dealing particularly in methylamphetamine (Ice). He was assisted by Karimi in his drug dealing. Khoury was also taking over shop premises at 182 Waldron Road, Chester Hill, to operate as a type of variety store. 28Prior to Khoury meeting Tamapua in June 2010, Khoury was looking to increase his drug supply customer base, and he had asked Manuel Puga to assist in finding customers. Mr Puga rented the Chester Hill shop which Khoury was taking over. 29In June 2010, both Khoury and Tamapua were independently associated with a drug dealer named Kevin, who resided in the western suburbs. A short time prior to 29 June 2010, Khoury and Karimi, together with another associate, Tuki, stood over Kevin, demanding money said to be owed to Khoury. 30Tamapua was present on this occasion. He intervened as he was receiving payment from Kevin to provide protection. In this way, Khoury and Karimi commenced their association with Tamapua. 31Tamapua was invited to Khoury's unit at Villawood (the Compound). At a meeting at the Compound, Khoury asked Tamapua what he did. Tamapua replied that he protected drug dealers and that a couple of his "boys" did home invasions. Khoury told Tamapua that he had some jobs in mind - shutting down drug dealers. Khoury encouraged Tamapua to bring his associates to participate in those jobs. 32In this way, an alliance was formed between Khoury (and his associates) and Tamapua (and his associates). It is clear that Khoury intended to utilise the services of Tamapua and his "boys" to carry out violent crimes on his behalf. The Criminal Group Becomes Active 33Over the ensuing days, the goal of the criminal group (then including Khoury, Karimi, Tuki, Tamapua and others) included shutting down drug dealers so that Khoury could replace them with his own dealers. The home invasions which came to be undertaken on 29 June 2010 and 1 July 2010 were viewed by Khoury as tests, to see if the new recruits were capable of carrying out bigger jobs at a later time. 34Prior to the offences committed on 29 June 2010, Khoury introduced Tamapua to a man named Wally at the Compound. Khoury told Tamapua that Wally was someone he looked up to, and that Wally had links to the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle gang. Counsel for Khoury submitted that a finding should be made that Wally (not Khoury) was the head of the organisation to which Tamapua was recruited. The evidence of Wally's involvement is limited. It appears that he played a type of advisory role in events, but it was Khoury who was the effective leader and organiser. 35At a meeting at the Compound, Khoury told Tamapua to bring some of his associates the next day, as a person named Harry was to show him a house in Ashcroft thought to be occupied by a drug dealer. Events on about 28 June 2010 36Shortly after, on about 28 June 2010, Tamapua attended the Compound with Vergara, Bautista, MA, CB and Ramos. Some of these persons had been involved in earlier criminal activity with Tamapua. 37Ramos had not been involved in earlier crimes (and had no prior criminal history). It appears he was a friend of Vergara. Ramos' role was to act as driver, using his family's Tarago Van, which was capable of carrying several people. It would be used, as a people mover, to convey groups of persons to and from the scene of serious crimes in the following days. 38Also present at the Compound were Khoury, Karimi, Tuki and Walsh. Khoury told Tamapua that someone was coming over to show them the Ashcroft address, which was to be invaded by the group. Soon after, Harry arrived and was introduced by Khoury as the person who would take them to the Ashcroft address. 39Khoury gave a shortened .22 rifle to Karimi to take with him on the job. This was the same weapon which was utilised again in the offences contained in Counts 3, 9, 11 and 12. Tamapua got into Harry's vehicle, and Karimi (with the firearm) got into the Tarago Van with Tamapua's associates. The vehicles travelled to Ashcroft and Harry indicated the house. The job did not take place, as Harry was told (by way of a telephone call) that no one was at home and that the dealer was out on a "drop". 40The vehicles returned to the Compound. Khoury was informed that the job did not take place as no one was at home. Khoury said that they should return the next day to carry out the job. 41Tamapua told Khoury that he (Tamapua) had a machete and, at Khoury's request, the machete was left in Khoury's unit at the Compound. This machete was utilised in events giving rise to Counts 3 and 9. 29 June 2010 - Count 1: Conspiracy to Rob Ernesto Bertolli 42Tamapua and his associates returned to the Compound on 29 June 2010. Present at that time were Khoury, Karimi, Walsh and Tuki. 43A little later, Tuki left and took his partner, Kayla Rosso, to Liverpool Hospital. As it happens, Tuki became involved in the events of that night, when the badly injured James Stiff was taken to the same hospital. 44Meanwhile, at the Compound, Khoury told Tamapua that he had a job which involved invading the house of a relative of a former girlfriend to steal firearms. This was the home of Ernesto Bertolli. Khoury had visited the house, and been shown various firearms which Ernesto Bertolli stored lawfully at those premises. 45Khoury informed Tamapua that there were a number of firearms in the premises. Khoury had a particular desire to obtain a .357 Desert Eagle semi-automatic handgun, which he had seen on the premises. He told Tamapua and his associates that they would be paid the price obtained for any other guns taken. 46The plan was that Khoury and Walsh would travel to the location in Khoury's Holden Commodore, and the others would follow in the Tarago Van driven by Ramos. 47Before leaving the Compound, Khoury took the shortened .22 rifle and a satchel with bullets from a cupboard in his unit. He gave the firearm and satchel to Karimi, who loaded the weapon. Also placed in the Tarago Van was the machete left at the Compound the previous day by Tamapua. 48The Tarago Van was driven away from the Compound by Ramos, with Tamapua, Karimi, Bautista, Vergara, MA and CB on board. The Tarago Van followed the Holden Commodore (containing Khoury and Walsh) to an area near a service station. At that location, Khoury walked to the Tarago Van, located nearby, and pointed out the home of Ernesto Bertolli. Khoury and Walsh then left in the Holden Commodore. 49Ramos drove the Tarago Van and parked near the Bertolli premises. Vergara, Bautista, MA and CB were designated to carry out this home invasion. Karimi handed Vergara the shortened firearm, and one of the others had the machete. The plan was to threaten persons in the house with the weapons, so as to force them to open the gun safe and to take the guns. 50The four men (armed with the weapons) left the Tarago Van, but returned soon after without having entered the premises, as it was believed that no one was at home. 51Karimi told them to go back to the Bertolli premises because Khoury wanted the Desert Eagle handgun. The four young men again walked towards the Bertolli premises, but returned again without doing the job. Karimi told them to get back into the Tarago Van, and that they would be in trouble when they got back, because Khoury specifically wanted the Desert Eagle handgun. 29 June 2010 - Count 2: The Home Invasion at Ashcroft on the Premises of James Stiff 52The Tarago Van returned to the Compound, and the shortened firearm and machete were taken into Khoury's unit. Karimi informed Khoury that the job did not go through. Khoury said that because they did not do that job, they could make up for it by doing the Ashcroft job. This involved the same premises indicated by Harry the previous day. Khoury picked up the machete and asked which of the men was going to take it. Vergara said that he would take it, and it was handed to him. 53Ramos once again drove the Tarago Van away from the Compound, with Karimi, Tamapua, Vergara, Bautista, MA and CB on board. They travelled to a location near the address of James Stiff at Ashcroft. 54At about 10.40 pm, Vergara (armed with the machete) and Bautista, MA and CB went to the front door of the Stiff residence. One of these men was armed with the shortened .22 rifle. The front door to the Stiff home was closed. An outer screen door was also closed, but not locked. 55One of the young men called out. James Stiff opened the front door. He saw that the closed screen door had been opened, and was being kept open by one of the men. Vergara then came from around the corner, holding the machete. James Stiff put his arm up, and Vergara forcibly struck his left arm with the machete, cutting it open from the wrist to the elbow. 56The four invaders then entered the premises. Also in the premises at the time was James Stiff's partner, his teenage son, Kaerin, and two teenage daughters. 57Vergara ran down the hallway, striking the walls to terrify the occupants. One of the invaders held the shortened firearm, covered by a red bandana. This person forced James Stiff onto a lounge and said, "Get off the lounge and I'll kill all of youse". James Stiff shouted at his children to stay in their rooms. 58At this point, his teenage son, Kaerin, came out of his room into the hall and saw two men, one with a machete and one with the firearm. The invaders were demanding money and drugs. 59Kaerin Stiff was forced into the main bedroom. He took from a drawer a plastic container, holding about three grams of cannabis, and gave it to one of the invaders. Another invader took a laptop computer from a lounge and then left. 60As a result of being struck with the machete, James Stiff had a large flap of skin and tissue hanging from his arm. After the invaders left, Kaerin Stiff wrapped his father's arm in a towel and drove him to Liverpool Hospital, arriving at 10.47 pm. 61At this time, Tuki was still at the hospital, and he observed the arrival of James Stiff. He associated the injured man with the home invasion planned for that night. Tuki made telephone calls on his mobile phone to Khoury, reporting on the arrival at hospital of the victim of the home invasion. 62Vergara, Bautista, CB and MA returned to the Tarago Van and, with Karimi, Tamapua and Ramos, they travelled back to the Compound. Whilst in the Tarago Van, Vergara told them how he hit the victim with the machete and there was blood everywhere. Return to the Compound 63At the Compound, Karimi patted down the young men who had entered the house, to check that they were not concealing any of the proceeds of the offence. Karimi handed the proceeds to Khoury. 64Khoury asked what had happened. Vergara explained how he had struck the "fat boy" in the arm with the machete. He said there was blood on the machete. Khoury told the group of the call he had received from Tuki, in which Tuki had said that a man had come to the hospital and that his arm had just been chopped. 65Khoury weighed the cannabis taken from the Ashcroft house and gave it to the others to smoke. Karimi brought the shortened firearm into Khoury's unit at the Compound. 66Khoury and Karimi had not entered the Stiff house, although both played major organisational roles concerning the crime. The jury was satisfied that each of Khoury and Karimi was guilty of this offence by application of the principles of extended joint criminal enterprise, to which I will return later in these remarks. 67Tamapua remained at the Compound for a time after his associates left following the Ashcroft home invasion. Khoury spoke to Tamapua, in the presence of Karimi, of his plan to shut down drug dealers in south-western Sydney, so he could put in his own dealers to make money. 68Khoury told Tamapua that he should recruit more boys to assist in this process of shutting down dealers. 1 July 2010 - Counts 4, 5, 6 and 8: The Recruitment of Natuba, Mir Joins the Group, Two More Home Invasions and a Murder 69It was agreed that Tamapua would come to Khoury's shop at Chester Hill on 1 July 2010. Tamapua set out by train for Villawood with Vergara, Kraak and Witness A. Whilst travelling by train, Tamapua met Byquar, who agreed to accompany them. On arrival at Villawood, Tamapua received a telephone call from Tuki, who told them to go to Khoury's shop at Chester Hill. 70During the day on 1 July 2010, telephone contact took place between Karimi and his cousin, Mir. Eliza Brown (then 18 years old) was a friend of Mir. She had met Karimi through Mir. 71Eliza Brown had organised to meet Mir that day. During the afternoon, she received a call from Mir, asking her to pick up Karimi as well. She first picked up Mir and then Karimi. She was asked to drive them to Chester Hill. 72During the journey in Eliza Brown's vehicle, discussion took place in which Karimi said that he was part of a gang, and that Mir was going to join them. Mir told Eliza Brown that he was going to Chester Hill to meet other people who were part of the gang. Eliza Brown expressed concern to Mir, saying that this did not sound like a good idea. 73According to telephone records, Karimi, Mir and Eliza Brown arrived at Chester Hill at about 5.14 pm. They had something to eat and then attended Khoury's shop, where Eliza Brown saw persons, including Khoury and later Tamapua and his associates, after their arrival at the shop. 74At about 6.11 pm, Tamapua, Byquar, Vergara, Kraak and Witness A arrived at Chester Hill and went to Khoury's shop. At the shop, Tamapua was introduced to Mir by Karimi who said, "This is Mack, my cousin. He's joined in. He's with us now". 75Tamapua introduced Byquar to Khoury. 1 July 2010Count 4: Khoury Recruits Natuba 76Khoury asked Byquar if he had any other boys. He told Byquar about the gang (called the "United Brothers" or "United Brotherhood") and that he wanted to expand it. Byquar told Khoury that he had some boys in Doonside. Byquar had in mind his cousin, Natuba. Khoury told Byquar to contact persons to come down to the shop, and that he would put them through an initiation test. 77As a result of this conversation, a series of text messages passed between Byquar and Natuba, between 6.22 pm and 6.42 pm on 1 July 2010. The information in texts sent by Byquar included the following:
Criminal Liability of Karimi, Khoury and Mir for the Offences Count 1 183In convicting each of Khoury and Karimi on Count 1, the jury was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that there was an agreement between two or more persons to commit an armed robbery at the premises of Ernesto Bertolli, and that each of Khoury and Karimi participated in the agreement that the unlawful objective be carried out, whilst intending that objective should be carried into effect. Count 2 184In convicting each of Khoury and Karimi on Count 2, the jury was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that a home invasion had been carried out on the Ashcroft premises of James Stiff, with property being stolen and with James Stiff being wounded in the course of the offence. 185It was the Crown case that Karimi remained in a vehicle outside the Ashcroft premises whilst the home invasion took place. Khoury was at his residence at Villawood at the time. 186Each of Khoury and Karimi were convicted of this offence by application of the principles of extended joint criminal enterprise, in that each of them was a party to a joint criminal enterprise, to commit robbery in the course of a home invasion, and each of them contemplated the possible wounding of a person in premises during the course of the home invasion. 187The jury was satisfied that each of Khoury and Karimi were well aware that young men who had engaged in violent crimes with Tamapua were to undertake the home invasion whilst armed. Khoury and Karimi each understood that the premises to be invaded were those of a drug dealer. It is entirely understandable how the jury reached their verdicts convicting each of Khoury and Karimi on Count 2. Count 4 188In finding Khoury guilty on Count 4, the jury was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that it was at the request of Khoury that contact was made by Byquar with Natuba to join the criminal group. The message, "U want 2 recruit 2 United!" constitutes contemporaneous evidence that the term "United Brothers" or "United Brotherhood" was being used at that time to recruit persons to Khoury's group. 189Having met Natuba, Khoury accepted him as part of the group, subject to Natuba completing home invasions as an initiation or test. Natuba participated that very night in the home invasions upon the premises of Maxine Rogers and the Burgess family. Counts 5, 6 and 8 190With respect to the offences encompassed by Counts 5, 6 and 8, the evidence revealed that Karimi was in the Tarago Van outside the Maxine Rogers premises, and then was in the white Toyota Echo in the vicinity of the Burgess house, when the respective crimes were committed. 191The evidence reveals that Khoury was at his shop at Chester Hill, from where the invaders had departed that evening, and to which they returned after the crimes had been committed. 192With respect to Count 5, the jury was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that a home invasion was carried out on the premises of Maxine Rogers involving armed robbery of property from her. 193Each of Khoury and Karimi were convicted on Count 5 by application of the principles of joint criminal enterprise, in that each of them was a party to an agreement to carry out a home invasion and that each of them participated in that agreement, although not being amongst the invaders that entered the premises. 194With respect to Mir, the jury was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he was one of the invaders, armed with meat cleavers, who entered the premises of Maxine Rogers, and participated in an armed robbery of her. Count 6 195The jury was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that each of Khoury and Karimi was liable for the murder of Kesley Burgess by application of the principles of extended joint criminal enterprise. The jury was satisfied that each of Khoury and Karimi were party to an agreement to commit robbery in the course of a home invasion by armed persons, that each of them participated in that joint criminal enterprise, and that each of Khoury and Karimi contemplated the possible intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm to a person in the course of that home invasion. 196This conclusion is entirely understandable. Each of Khoury and Karimi were aware that violent young men were to undertake home invasions, whilst armed with heavy meat cleavers, as part of a testing or initiation process. The very weapons with which Khoury had armed these young men on 1 July 2010 laid a solid foundation for the jury's finding. Each of Khoury and Karimi were aware, as well, that a substantial act of violence had occurred on 29 June 2010, when Vergara struck and wounded James Stiff. 197There was a clear foundation for the jury finding that Khoury participated in the joint criminal enterprise to commit robbery in the course of a home invasion by armed men. This participation included recruitment of the participants, the planning and sanctioning of jobs, the provision of premises (Khoury's shop) to launch the jobs, the provision of weapons and the receipt of at least part of the stolen property. It was Khoury who devised the use of the jobs as tests for members of the criminal group. The purpose of the jobs was to further Khoury's goal of running the dealing of drugs in the south-western Sydney area. 198The jury was satisfied that Karimi participated in the joint criminal enterprise, including the planning of jobs, and in particular, the "Jacob job" proposed by Karimi, with Karimi then using his family connections to identify the location at Lurnea. He also oversaw the home invasions by travelling with co-offenders to the various locations, and giving instructions to co-offenders who entered the premises. It was also part of Karimi's role to ensure that property which had been taken was accounted for to Khoury. 199The jury verdict adverse to Mir on Count 6, involved a finding that he entered the Burgess household, armed with a meat cleaver, for the purpose of participating in a home invasion. Mir was carrying out this function as part of a test or initiation. 200I am satisfied to the criminal standard that Mir entered the house, armed with a meat cleaver, and that he struck Kesley Burgess with the meat cleaver. The evidence of Natuba and Tracey Burgess concerning events in the house supports this conclusion. Further, the evidence of Tamapua, Kraak and Witness A of their observations of Mir when he returned to Khoury's shop, and what they heard Mir say concerning the attack, further supports such a conclusion. Finally, there is the evidence of Eliza Brown of her observations of Mir when she collected him from Chester Hill, and of the conversation which took place in the car thereafter. In combination, this constituted a very substantial body of evidence that Mir not only entered the house armed with a meat cleaver, but that he used the weapon to strike Kesley Burgess in such a way that he was a direct participant in his murder, and was stained with blood as a result. 201Submissions were made as to whether Mir acted with intent to kill or intent to cause grievous bodily harm. I am satisfied, to the criminal standard, that Mir acted with intent to kill, in circumstances where he struck more than one blow to Kesley Burgess with a heavy meat cleaver, at a time when others were also attacking Kesley Burgess with similar weapons. 202That this intent may have only come about suddenly because of the actions of Kesley Burgess in using a sword to strike Natuba in defence of his mother, does not provide any real assistance to Mir on sentence. It is clear that Kesley Burgess could have been disarmed or disabled in other ways that did not involve the homicidal attack which took place in his own home and in the presence of his mother. Count 8 203The conviction by the jury of each of Khoury and Karimi on Count 8 involved application of the principles of joint criminal enterprise. The jury was satisfied that each of Khoury and Karimi was a participant in a joint criminal enterprise to commit robbery in the course of a home invasion by armed persons. The participation of Khoury and Karimi in this respect is of the type referred to earlier in these remarks. 204The conviction of Mir on Count 8 reflects acceptance by the jury that Mir was one of the armed assailants who entered the Burgess household, in the course of which Tracey Burgess was robbed of property. Counts 9, 11 and 12 205I have referred earlier to the bases on which Khoury and Karimi were convicted of conspiracy to murder. On the evidence, the intention of each of Khoury and Karimi was to kill a person at a public place where a large number of persons had gathered for a community event to raise funds for a charity. Although the event had concluded and persons were departing, the evidence points to the fact that families and young persons were in the vicinity so that the danger posed to the general public was high. 206The verdicts of the jury on Counts 11 and 12 involved acceptance that each of Khoury and Karimi were aware that weapons were in the vehicle conveying members of the group to Miller to assist Byquar. Each of Khoury and Karimi were aware of the fact that these weapons included the shortened .22 calibre long rifle which had been located at Khoury's premises, and the large machete which had also been at those premises. 207Both Khoury and Karimi were aware that these weapons had been utilised in the home invasions committed over previous days. The fact that the occupants of the vehicle had armed themselves with these weapons reinforced a conclusion that they were prepared to assist Byquar directly in his clearly stated intent to murder. There could be no doubt that the weapons in the Ford Laser were capable of being used to kill a person. 208It is necessary to keep in mind, as well, that the explanation for Khoury and Karimi acting in this way at that time, was that each of them was prepared to participate in an act of revenge against persons who had apparently done nothing more than come into conflict with Unasa, a person who had joined the criminal group involving Khoury and Karimi a short time before.
Relevance of Standard Non-Parole Periods 209Counts 2, 6 and 12 each carry a standard non-parole period. It is necessary to keep in mind the principles in Muldrock v The Queen [2011] HCA 39; 244 CLR 120. In addition, I have regard to the provisions in s.54A and 54B Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, as amended recently by the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Standard Non-Parole Periods) Act 2013, those amendments being intended to clarify the role of the standard non-parole period in sentencing, following the decision in Muldrock v The Queen. 210The standard non-parole period is a guidepost to be taken into account, together with the maximum penalty, as part of the instinctive synthesis process. The Court must record reasons for setting a non-parole period that is longer or shorter than the standard non-parole period: s.54B(3). These remarks on sentence record my reasons for that purpose. 211The Court is not required to record the extent to which the seriousness of the offence differs from that of an offence to which the standard non-parole period applies: s.54B(6).
Effects of Offences Upon the Surviving Victims The Stiff Family 212James Stiff was operated on in hospital to repair damage to tendons, nerves and muscle. He also required a blood transfusion as a result of the amount of blood lost in the attack. It was found that the blow of the machete had caused the following injuries: (a)compound division of the ulnar artery and nerve; (b)division of the flexor tendon muscle to the fingers (used to flex the fingers); (c)division of the flexor tendon muscle to the wrist (used to flex the wrist); and (d)irregularity of the surface of the ulnar bone (one of the two forearm bones) indicating that the machete had impacted with the bone. 213James Stiff was released from hospital on 3 July 2010, but has ongoing difficulties as a consequence of his injuries. 214James Stiff gave evidence at the trial on 19 March 2013. He has a substantial scar to his left arm. He has only 10% strength in his left arm. Although he could move his left hand, the lower arm was numb. 215It is apparent, for understandable reasons, that the terrifying memories of this event remain with him as well as the serious physical consequences of his injury. 216A victim impact statement was made by James Stiff. It is apparent that he continues to experience the damaging physical and emotional consequences resulting from the invasion of his home. He described the serious and long-lasting psychological effects of this event. He referred, as well, to the detrimental effects of the offence upon his children, who were present at the time of these terrible events. The family could not remain at the house and moved to a different location. 217James Stiff referred, as well, to financial and other difficulties flowing from his inability to use his hand and the scarring of his arm. A report of Lubica Vrackar, psychologist, dated 22 December 2010 confirmed that James Stiff was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder with severe anxiety and depression. 218Kaerin Stiff gave evidence at the trial. It was apparent from his evidence that the memories of this event continue to trouble him, as well, in substantial ways. Tracey Burgess and the Burgess Family 219In the course of sentencing MA, Byquar and Ramos (at [137]ff) and Natuba and Tamapua (at [157]ff), I referred to the impact of these crimes upon Tracey Burgess and her family. 220Since those sentencing remarks were given in December 2012, Tracey Burgess gave evidence at the trial, as did Kristal McLachlan. Tracey Burgess read a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing relating to the present Offenders in August 2013. 221It is appropriate that I repeat a number of observations made in my earlier remarks on sentence before proceeding to make some additional observations. 222In the eyes of the law, Tracey Burgess is a victim in at least two ways. She is a direct victim of the armed robbery offence (Count 8). In addition, Tracey Burgess was a family victim of the murder of her son. 223This is not a case where a member of the family of a deceased person learns of the event indirectly and after it has occurred. Rather, Tracey Burgess was present and observed the shocking events which took place in her house, culminating in the brutal killing of her son. 224The evidence of Tracey Burgess at the trial required her to recount, in some detail, the events in her home on the evening of 1 July 2010. In addition to that account, as I have mentioned, the "000" calls made from the house were played in evidence. The tone and content of those calls provide powerful evidence of the horrific events which were still happening, or had just occurred. 225In her evidence, and in the victim impact statement, Tracey Burgess gave a harrowing account of this dreadful night and its effects upon her family. The consequences of these events have been devastating. 226A report dated 19 September 2012 of Dr Sidney Lo confirms the understandable position that, as a result of the offences, Tracey Burgess experiences a high degree of stress, which has had a detrimental effect upon her physical health in a number of ways. 227The substantial personal harm suffered by Tracey Burgess as the victim of an armed robbery offence is to be taken into account as a relevant factor in determining sentence on Count 8. 228I acknowledge the dreadful loss suffered by Tracey Burgess and the Burgess family, as a result of the death of Kesley and the impact of that loss, which will undoubtedly be life long. 229I acknowledge, as well, the dignity displayed by Tracey Burgess on the frequent occasions when she attended Court during the course of the trial and sentencing proceedings. 230During the sentencing hearing, after Tracey Burgess had delivered her victim impact statement, I expressed the condolences of the Court and the community for the family's great loss. In these remarks on sentence, I once again express condolences on behalf of the community and the Court to the Burgess family. 231In passing sentence on the murder counts, I keep in mind the principles in R v Previtera (1997) 94 A Crim R 76 at 84-87. 232It is appropriate, as well, to acknowledge the impact of this crime upon Kristal McLachlan, the partner of Kesley Burgess at the time of his death. Her evidence during the trial, and the content of the "000" calls, stand as testimony to the ordeal to which she was subjected on this night. Maxine Rogers and her Children 233Maxine Rogers gave evidence at the trial. In addition, a "000" call was played in which, in a state of great upset, she sought help after her home had been invaded. 234Although no victim impact statement was made by or on behalf of Maxine Rogers, an inference should be drawn that the invasion of her home by armed men brandishing meat cleavers constituted a terrifying experience for her and her two young daughters.
Subjective Circumstances of the Offenders Khoury 235Khoury was 29 years old at the time of the offences and is now 33 years old. A presentence report was obtained with respect to Khoury and a report dated 24 September 2013 of Mr Tim Watson-Munro, psychologist, was tendered on sentence. 236The reports reveal that Khoury was born in Sydney in 1980. He is of Lebanese Christian background and has two elder sisters. He completed his Higher School Certificate. During the final two years at school, Khoury commenced part-time participation in a TAFE course and, after leaving school, he completed a certificate in information technology. His employment history has involved work in cement rendering and then a number of small businesses dealing in computers, cement rendering, hardware and shops wholesaling mixed goods. 237Khoury is a single man who had been in a relationship with an 18-year old partner, Walsh, at the time of his arrest in September 2010. He has no children. 238Khoury has no history of alcohol or drug abuse. He has no history of physical or mental ill health. 239The author of the presentence report noted that Khoury had been afforded the luxury of a stable, uneventful childhood and adulthood, and that he continued to receive the support of various family members, including his mother. His father had passed away, after a long illness, in mid-2013. 240His criminal record is confined to an offence of driving whilst suspended in 2009, with the Local Court dismissing the charge under s.10 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. 241Psychometric testing by Mr Watson-Munro did not reveal any aspect which bears upon the question of sentence. Understandably, Mr Watson-Munro concluded that Khoury was experiencing depression and anxiety as he awaited sentence. 242The presentence report indicates that Khoury is managed as a protection-limited association inmate at Parklea Correctional Centre due to concerns regarding his safety from outlaw motorcycle gangs. He has been the subject of two institutional misconduct charges, one for fighting in May 2011 (confined to cells for five days) and one for unlawful use of a phone or fax in August 2011 (no telephone calls permitted for 14 days). 243The presentence report records that, from the time of Khoury's entry into custody in September 2010 until August 2011, he was regularly seen by psychological staff, with this monthly contact primarily focused on monitoring his coping and adjustment in the correctional centre environment. Following the recent death of his father, he was again assessed and he advised that he did not require any ongoing contact at present. Karimi 244Karimi was born in Afghanistan in 1988, and was aged 22 years at the time of the offences. He is now 25 years old. He is a single man with no children. 245A presentence report was prepared with respect to Karimi. In addition, a report dated 2 September 2013 of Dr Gerald Chew, consultant psychiatrist with Justice Health, was provided to the Court. This report was based upon a document examination, as Karimi had declined to be examined by Dr Chew. Dr Chew gave oral evidence at the sentencing hearing on 25 September 2013. In the course of that evidence, further documents were tendered by the Crown and counsel for Karimi relating to mental health issues (Sentencing Exhibits G, H and 6). I will return to this material shortly. 246Also tendered in the defence case were statements of Zainab Karimi, a sister of the Offender, and material concerning the health of the Offender's mother, Zahra Karimi. 247The Karimi family, consisting of the parents and six children, arrived in Australia in October 1999. Karimi is the second eldest of the six children. 248Karimi attended high school until Year 10, leaving in 2004. At about that time, his parents had separated and this had a significant effect upon the Offender. The father moved from the area and the children lived with the mother in Auburn. 249According to Zainab Karimi, the Offender helped at home following his leaving school in 2004. He was unable to find work and, after about a year, enrolled at Bankstown Senior College to complete his Higher School Certificate. He attended college for about a year and did not finish the course. In about 2006, he obtained work in a chocolate and foodstuff factory, where he worked for about a year. He then worked casually as a general hand in smash repair and mechanical workshops in Chester Hill and Blacktown for about 18 months. 250Some time in 2009, Karimi ceased working and remained at home, being in receipt of Centrelink payments whilst assisting with his mother who was ill. The evidence indicates that Karimi's mother continues to have significant health difficulties. 251Zainab Karimi states that the family in Australia has about 150 members and that family members have regularly visited Karimi in custody. The presentence report confirms that Karimi has received regular institutional visits from his mother, father and siblings, as well as visits from other family and friends. 252Karimi has a limited criminal history. On 2 April 2008, he was sentenced in the Parramatta Local Court for offences of possession of an unregistered firearm, failing to surrender a firearm and possession of a firearm or barrel which had been altered or defaced. He was fined a total of $1,500.00 and was placed on a good behaviour bond for 12 months. The facts of these offences have been placed before the Court. In January 2008, Karimi had an argument with his mother. He was observed by a member of the family to have placed a bag in the roof of their dwelling. His mother and sisters located the bag and discovered that it contained a pistol and a quantity of ammunition, together with a rifle magazine. Members of the family contacted police and Karimi was arrested and charged with these offences. He told police that he had found the firearm and ammunition some months earlier. 253Following an examination of Justice Health records, Dr Chew provided a limited report to the Court. He noted that Karimi had declined to be interviewed on 21 August 2013 and that this continued to be the case. 254Dr Chew noted that Karimi had no previous psychiatric admissions or contact with a mental health service prior to his arrest in 2010. 255Following his arrest in July 2010, Karimi was referred for an assessment for anxiety and depression. He reported hearing a voice, but there was no objective evidence of auditory hallucinations and he was diagnosed with situational crisis. Karimi was reviewed again in December 2010, and it was determined that his presentation was considered secondary to situational crisis and there was no major mental health diagnosis. 256He was referred for assessment again on 24 July 2012, complaining of sleep disturbances and difficulties in custody including frequent arguments with correctional officers. On assessment, it was concluded that his behaviour was more suggestive of antisocial personality disorder, with depressive symptoms which were exacerbated by incarceration, and he was prescribed antidepressant medication. 257Dr Chew was cross-examined by the Crown concerning a range of entries in the Justice Health records concerning Karimi. Dr Chew agreed that Karimi appeared to have been using amphetamines at times in custody and that his statement to persons from time to time in 2013 reflected an understanding of the proceedings against him. 258On 4 September 2013, an order was made under s.55(1) Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 directing that Karimi be transferred to a mental health facility as he was by then a mentally ill person. 259From the information which he had gathered, Dr Chew considered that Karimi had a significant history of psychiatric illness and polysubstance abuse. Dr Chew observed that it was possible that Karimi could have had an untreated psychotic illness for some months or even years, although this was less likely given the number of psychiatric reviews prior to 2013 where psychosis was not diagnosed. Dr Chew observed that his recent deterioration could be precipitated by the escalating stress over his upcoming sentencing. 260Counsel for Karimi acknowledged that there was no evidence that Karimi was suffering from any mental illness at the time of the commission of the offences. The evidence does not point to any mental health issues affecting Karimi at that time. Further, the evidence of his involvement in these various crimes does not suggest that he was affected by any mental disorder. 261Caution must be exercised in reaching any conclusion concerning Karimi's mental state since he has been in custody. Psychiatric assessments made prior to 2013 suggest situational stress and antisocial personality disorder as being significant components. 262Particular caution is required in making findings concerning Karimi in 2013. He has refused to be examined by Dr Chew. There are contemporaneous notes which indicate that, at various times during 2013, Karimi had been consuming illegal drugs which may have affected his condition. Further, as the Crown submits, there are a range of entries in those records which indicate a comprehension on his part of the proceedings then on foot against him. It was my observation during the trial that Karimi followed the proceedings and understood evidence being given and submissions being made. 263In my view, the appropriate finding is that Karimi's condition has become exacerbated as the sentencing process proceeded in and after July 2013. It is appropriate to take into account the fact that Karimi is now being treated for a psychiatric condition in passing sentence upon him. However, compliance and co-operation on his part with treatment would likely see improvement in his mental state, so that this factor will be of limited assistance to him on sentence. Mir 264Mir was born in Afghanistan in 1990. He was 20 years old at the time of the offences. He is now 23 years of age. 265A presentence report was prepared for the sentencing proceedings. In addition, a report dated 2 August 2013 from Ms Anna Robilliard, psychologist, was tendered in the defence case. A statement of Masoma Mir, a sister of the Offender, was also placed before the Court. 266Mir was born in Afghanistan, the youngest in a family of seven children. Mir's mother died when he was a young child. His father remarried and a decision was made for the family to leave Afghanistan. 267The family belonged to the Hazaras minority ethnic group and are Shiite Muslims. Hazaras were subjected to persecution by the Taliban. 268In the late 1990s, the family moved to the Pakistani city of Peshawar, where they remained for several years, before being accepted as migrants to Australia in 2001. 269Mir's father and his second wife had three further children by the time they came to Australia, with a further child being born since then. 270Mir's father was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2004 (at the age of 54), when Mir was 14 years old. Thereafter, Mir's elder brother took responsibility for looking after the family. The documentary evidence indicates that Mir was affected adversely by the death of his father and the reduced stability within the family. 271Mir is a single man with no children. 272Mir attended a local high school and completed Year 10. Subsequently, he obtained a position as an apprentice panel beater. He had completed three years of his apprenticeship at the time of his arrest in July 2010. 273Mir informed the author of the presentence report that he had been a regular consumer of alcohol and cannabis, and had tried cocaine but did not particularly like it. He had never tried drugs such as amphetamines or opiates. 274Mir has a limited criminal history. In July 2005, he was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond in the Children's Court for an offence of aggravated break and enter whilst in company. He had been caught with another young person inside the garage of a residential unit block at Lidcombe. In November 2008, he was fined and placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond in the Local Court for offences of larceny and traffic offences. Other traffic offences had been dealt with by way of fine in October 2008. 275The presentence report recorded the following with respect to Mir's associates: "It would appear that Mr Mir's present offences are a direct result of his association with a gang, which existed to engage in violent criminal activity and required active participation of its members. In discussing how he became involved with the group, he said that he had met other members through his cousin, who was already a key member. Regarding his prior relationship with his cousin, he said that they used to live in the same area and 'would sometimes hang out together'." 276The author of the presentence report noted that Mir had fully co-operated in the preparation of the report. It was difficult to assess his level of remorse given Mir's reluctance to discuss the offences themselves. 277Given his limited criminal antecedents, however, it was said that it "appears that he would have been unlikely to have become involved in these matters, were it not for his gang associations and loyalties". The author considered that Mir had the "potential to learn from his grievous mistakes and to respond positively to opportunities to address his offending behaviour and to realise his potential". 278It was proposed that an individual case-management plan be developed during the classification process, which may include participation in the Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program. 279Mir has taken advantage of employment opportunities whilst in custody working in different capacities as a storeman, a furniture maker and as a sweeper. He has made clear his intention to pursue vocational opportunities and further education and training whilst in custody. 280Mir informed Ms Robilliard that he had associated with Karimi for some time and that he and Karimi occasionally smoked cannabis together. He said that he did not see Karimi on regular occasions and that their meetings were usually precipitated by a phone call from Karimi. 281Ms Robilliard undertook certain psychological testing. His perceptual reasoning score indicated that he was at the middle of the average range. 282Ms Robilliard raised the possibility that family and environmental circumstances had exposed Mir to traumatic events, in particular in Afghanistan. The death of his father in Australia during his teenage years had a negative effect, with Mir using drugs and alcohol and associating with antisocial peers. Ms Robilliard noted Mir's desire to further his education whilst in custody and considered that he would benefit, as well, from psychotherapy and involvement in violent offender programs.
Sentences Imposed Upon Co-Offenders 283My remarks on sentence with respect to MA, Byquar, Ramos, Natuba and Tamapua disclose the sentences imposed upon each of those offenders, as well as sentences imposed upon Vergara, Bautista and CB in the District Court (R v MA; R v Byquar; R v Ramos at [149]-[172]). It is not necessary to recite those sentences in these remarks. 284In sentencing the present Offenders, I will have regard to the principles of parity and proportionality of sentence to the extent that they are applicable. However, considerable caution must be exercised in considering these factors in this case. 285Firstly, the present Offenders were convicted after trial. Unlike all other offenders dealt with so far, there will be no allowance for pleas of guilty or assistance to the authorities. Further, I am not satisfied that any of the present Offenders have demonstrated contrition or remorse. 286Secondly, as the sentencing remarks in the District Court and this Court make clear, a number of the other offenders had matters taken into account on a Form 1 on sentence. The present Offenders are to be sentenced for separate offences for which each of them were convicted by the jury. 287Thirdly, there are important differences in the offences for which the present Offenders are to be sentenced, as opposed to other offenders who pleaded guilty. In particular, Khoury and Karimi are to be sentenced for conspiracy to murder (Count 9). This offence is significantly more serious than the charges under s.33B Crimes Act 1900 for which Tamapua and Vergara were sentenced. 288Fourthly, I have kept in mind that the criminal histories of the present Offenders are less substantial than those of other offenders who have been sentenced previously for offences arising out of these events (with the exception of Ramos, Vergara and Walsh who had no prior criminal history). 289Fifthly, two of the offenders, MA and CB, were juvenile offenders, so that different sentencing considerations had some application in their cases. 290A number of the limitations referred to in Jimmy v R [2010] NSWCCA 60; 77 NSWLR 540 at 589 [203] have direct application in these circumstances. The differences which I have recited indicate a number of significant practical difficulties, in comparing sentences previously imposed, with those to be passed on each of the present Offenders: Green v The Queen [2011] HCA 49; 244 CLR 462 at 473-474 [30]. 291With these very significant qualifications, I have kept in mind issues of parity and proportionality for the purpose of sentencing each of the present Offenders.
Home Invasion Offences 292Each of the offences committed on 29 June 2010 and 1 July 2010 involved home invasions. In the course of sentencing MA, Byquar, Ramos, Natuba and Tamapua, I made a number of observations concerning the gravity and dangerousness of this class of offence (R v Natuba; R v Tamapua at [235]-[240]). 293Courts in this State have observed that home invasion offences are frequently committed by young men. In R v Pham and Ly (1991) 55 A Crim R 128, Lee CJ at CL (Gleeson CJ and Hunt J agreeing) observed at 135 that home invasion offences were crimes of great gravity, which were "becoming all too frequent". His Honour continued at 135: "Day and night people live in fear and terror of being assaulted and robbed in their own homes. Frequently this class of offence along with robberies of commercial premises are committed by persons who have barely entered upon manhood. Whilst the early background of each respondent merits sympathy and understanding it can not be used to cloak or disguise the fact that the actions of the respondents and the other men involved can only properly be described as the actions of a gang of thugs and armed thugs at that, violently invading the home of the victims and rendering them helpless. It is true that Courts must refrain from sending young persons to prison, unless that course is necessary, but the gravity of the crime and the fact that it is a crime of violence frequently committed by persons even in their teens must be kept steadfastly in mind otherwise the protective aspect of the criminal Court's function will cease to operate. In short, deterrence and retribution do not cease to be significant merely because persons in their late teens are the persons committing grave crimes, particularly crimes involving physical violence to persons in their own homes." 294The Court of Criminal Appeal has emphasised more recently the need for an appropriate level of punishment in the case of the forced invasion of a home by armed men, in the middle of the night, with terror being inflicted on the occupants, even where allowance is to be made for an offender's youth and troubled adolescence: R v Murrell [2012] NSWCCA 90 at [55]. Offending of this type involves, amongst other things, an invasion of the privacy of the victims: Haines v R [2012] NSWCCA 238 at [62]. 295The unpredictable and chaotic nature of home invasions, with the real prospect of serious injury or worse resulting, has been emphasised: Wahl v State of Tasmania [2012] TASCCA 5 at [30]. 296The offences committed by the present Offenders involved directly (in the case of Mir) or indirectly (in the cases of Khoury and Karimi), young men being engaged in brutal and frightening activities, whilst armed with a machete and a firearm (on 29 July 2010) and with meat cleavers (on 1 July 2010), in circumstances which were likely (at the least) to instil great fear in those whose homes were invaded, with the distinct prospect that an occupant (on the spur of the moment) may decide to resist, even though outnumbered by the armed invaders. 297The tragic events which occurred in the Burgess house, not long after the frightening circumstances affecting James Stiff and then Maxine Rogers, illustrate the nature and risks of offending of this type.
A Broad Hierarchy of Offenders 298Counsel made submissions concerning a type of hierarchy of offenders for the purpose of fact finding on sentence. Care must be taken in attaching labels to persons engaged in criminal activity. However, the evidence at trial, as recited in the factual findings narrated earlier, permit such a process in this case. 299I am satisfied that Khoury should be placed appropriately as the head of the criminal group. He was engaged in a drug supply operation with Karimi, before meeting Tamapua. Khoury wished to remove competitors in the drug trade to expand his own operation. Having met Tamapua in a drug supply context, Khoury was clearly impressed by the potential for Tamapua and his group of violent young men to be deployed to advance Khoury's interests. As mentioned earlier, counsel for Khoury submitted that the evidence revealed that it was Wally who was the head of the organisation, in a position superior to Khoury. The evidence indicates that Wally played some role in these activities. However, it was Khoury who recruited Tamapua (and his young criminal associates). It was Khoury who caused Natuba to be recruited on 1 July 2010. It was Khoury who caused Unasa to be recruited on 3 July 2010. As the factual narrative makes clear, it was Khoury's home and his shop which were used as the locations for meetings, and as points of departure and return for the home invaders on 29 June 2010 and 1 July 2010. 300It is the case that Tamapua was a violent criminal who himself led a group of young violent criminals. Tamapua was undoubtedly a strong personality, which was projected clearly to the jury during his extended period in the witness box. I am satisfied on the evidence, however, that it was Khoury who was the leader and director of criminal activities engaged in by the various offenders I have mentioned between 29 June 2010 and 4 July 2010. It served the interests of Khoury to join forces with Tamapua and his group. Thereafter, those involved in these criminal activities met at Khoury's premises - his home at Villawood or his shop at Chester Hill. This was the case before and after the offences on 29 June 2010 and 1 July 2010. A further meeting took place involving Unasa on 3 July 2010. Tamapua may be characterised appropriately as an ally of Khoury during this short but violent period of serious crime. However, I do not accept the submission of counsel for Khoury that there was a type of "power shift" from Khoury to Tamapua as events progressed from 29 June 2010 to 4 July 2010. 301Although Tamapua played a senior role in the group, bringing to bear specialised violent skills desired by Khoury, it was Khoury who was the leader of the group. 302Karimi played a significant organisational role in the activities giving rise to these offences. He was involved in drug supply with Khoury and performed critical functions in the offences of 29 June 2010 and 1 July 2010. He is to be placed appropriately at the second tier of the hierarchy, as a senior assistant to Khoury. 303Karimi was associated with Khoury in his drug supply enterprise before Tamapua came on the scene. Karimi played an integral role in Khoury's organisation, although he did not enter premises himself or place himself at direct risk of injury. I accept the Crown submission that Karimi held a position of trusted lieutenant to Khoury. I am satisfied, as well, that it was Karimi who played a direct role in the recruitment of his cousin, Mir, to become involved in the crimes committed on the evening of 1 July 2010. 304Mir and others were the foot soldiers who carried out home invasions. To so describe them is not to minimise their role and responsibility. It was they who wreaked havoc and terrified persons, using force, including lethal force.
Determining the Appropriate Sentences 305I have referred to a range of objective and subjective factors to be considered on sentence with respect to each of the present Offenders. It is necessary now to undertake the process of instinctive synthesis for the purpose of passing sentence. 306I will keep in mind, as statutory guideposts, the maximum penalty for each offence and applicable standard non-parole periods. 307It is necessary, as well, that the Court determine an appropriate sentence for each offence and then consider issues of accumulation, concurrency and totality with respect to each Offender. 308The aggregation of all sentences for each Offender is to constitute a just and appropriate measure of the total criminality involved: R v MAK [2006] NSWCCA 381; 167 A Crim R 159 at 164 [15]. Public confidence in the administration of justice requires the Court to avoid any suggestion that what is in effect being offered is some kind of a discount for multiple offending: R v Knight [2005] NSWCCA 253; 155 A Crim R 252 at 272 [112]; R v MAK at 164-165 [18]. At times, sentencing courts speak of avoidance of the imposition of a "crushing" sentence in the context of totality. However, as Grove J (Campbell JA and myself agreeing) observed in Ta'ala v R [2008] NSWCCA 132 at [42], the concept of a "crushing" sentence does not articulate some applicable test. In the case of multiple serious crimes, the imposition of a very lengthy sentence will be necessary as the just and appropriate measure of the total criminality involved. 309In Paxton v R [2011] NSWCCA 242; 219 A Crim R 104 at 132 [215], with the concurrence of Tobias AJA and Hall J, I said: "An assessment whether a particular sentence is a 'crushing sentence' must have regard to the offence or offences committed by the offender, the maximum penalties and standard non-parole periods relevant to those offences, and all objective and subjective factors which should be appropriately brought into account on sentence, together with principles concerning accumulation, concurrency and totality. As Grove J observed in Ta'ala v R at [42], 'justice is individual and each offence and each offender requires assessment'." 310I have kept these principles in mind in considering issues of accumulation, concurrency and totality. 311Issues of specific deterrence and general deterrence are most important considerations on sentence for these offences. Khoury 312I have referred already to the role of Khoury in these various offences. It was Khoury who provided the impetus for Count 1, with his particular desire to obtain the Desert Eagle firearm (amongst other weapons). Count 2 involved a home invasion to further Khoury's plan, with serious injury being inflicted upon James Stiff. Khoury played a key organisational role in the launching and return of the home invaders, whilst maintaining telephone contact with Tuki who reported to him the serious injury resulting from that crime. 313Count 4 involved the recruitment of Natuba to participate in the terrible crimes on 1 July 2010. 314Counts 5, 6 and 8 involved a separate wave of home invaders departing from Khoury's shop, and returning there with clear evidence of the violence which had been inflicted. Although Khoury did not travel to the scene of the home invasions, he was well aware of what was to happen and participated in these crimes in a manner which made him liable for them. 315Count 9 involved Khoury participating again in a course of planned violent conduct even though he was well aware of the direct consequences of earlier offences, including the death of Kesley Burgess. Khoury's motivation to commit the crime contained in Count 9 arose from the solidarity of the criminal group of violent men who, by that time, were working with and for him. 316Count 12 involved possession by Khoury of the shortened .22 calibre long rifle at his home in the period spanned by these crimes. 317Khoury's crimes reflect very great objective gravity. Like Tamapua, the fact that he did not enter the houses does not place his moral culpability any lower than those who did enter premises (R v Natuba; R v Tamapua at [233]). Given his command position, Khoury's moral culpability was great indeed. 318I have taken into account Khoury's subjective circumstances and his effective absence of prior convictions. He was 29 years old at the time of these offences, and had determined to turn to substantial drug supply as an activity, involving the ready use of violence. 319His prior history ought suggest that there are reasonable prospects of rehabilitation. However, the fact that a man in his position and at his age chose to embark upon very serious criminal activity of this type, must require caution before a favourable assessment of prospects of rehabilitation can be made. 320There is nothing in Khoury's background which operates in his favour on sentence nor is there any medical or other evidence which bears upon the issue, with the exception of an understandable level of depression in the circumstances in which he now finds himself. 321I accept the Crown submission with respect to issues of accumulation and concurrency that: (a)the sentence for Count 12 may appropriately be served concurrently with the sentences to be imposed for Counts 1 and 9, both of which involve the use of the firearm in significant ways; (b)the sentence for Count 4 may be served concurrently with sentences to be served for Counts 5, 6 and 8, being the other offences being committed on 1 July 2010; (c)partial accumulation of sentences is appropriate for other offences, given the separate offences and victims contained in Counts 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 and 9. 322A finding of special circumstances will be made to give effect to the accumulation of sentences to be passed upon him. The effective non-parole period represents the minimum period he should serve in custody for all his crimes, having regard to all the purposes of sentencing. The balance of term to be set will provide ample opportunity for conditional liberty to assist his return to the community upon release. 323The sentence will commence from the date of his arrest on 29 September 2010. Karimi 324I have made findings concerning the role of Karimi in the offences for which he is to be sentenced. 325Karimi's involvement in Counts 1 and 2 arose from his pre-existing criminal association with Khoury, and his willingness to provide a range of organisational and operational support for the crimes committed on those occasions. 326With respect to Counts 5, 6 and 8, Karimi maintained these significant levels of organisational and operational support, with the critical addition of the identification of the Burgess house at Lurnea as the target for the home invasion which culminated in the murder of Kesley Burgess. 327Count 9 involved Karimi in the continuation of significant organisational and operational support for members of Khoury's group, when called to arms to assist Byquar in the planned violent confrontation at Miller. It was only the interception of the vehicle containing Karimi and others by police that prevented the confrontation which was intended to occur. 328Count 11 arises from Karimi's possession of the firearm. This offence is closely tied to the offence in Count 9. 329Karimi's crimes also reflect great objective gravity. His moral culpability is substantial. 330I take into account Karimi's subjective circumstances. He has a limited criminal history. He has no history of mental disorder which operated at the time of the commission of these offences so as to affect his moral culpability for these grave crimes. However, as indicated earlier, I accept for the purpose of sentence, that the sentences of imprisonment may be more onerous at the present time, because of his current mental condition. I bear in mind, however, that the treatment of Karimi in custody ought become simpler if he co-operates with Justice Health and adopts a different approach to that seen in his dealing with Dr Chew. It should not be concluded that Karimi's imprisonment will be more onerous for him in the long term. The evidence does not support such a finding. 331There is no contrition or remorse on Karimi's part. An assessment of his prospects of rehabilitation is difficult. The Court is not in a position to form a favourable view with respect to his prospects of rehabilitation. 332I accept the Crown submission and am satisfied that partially accumulated sentences are appropriate in the case of Karimi, with the exception of the sentence for Count 11, which should be made entirely concurrent with the sentence for Count 9. 333A finding of special circumstances should be made by reason of the accumulation of sentences. The effective non-parole period to be fixed represents the minimum period Karimi should serve in custody for all his crimes, having regard to all the purposes of sentencing. The balance of term to be set will provide adequate time by way of conditional liberty to assist his return to the community upon release. 334The sentences should commence from the date of his arrest on 4 July 2010. Mir 335Mir's involvement with the criminal group began and ended on 1 July 2010. He was recruited to the group by his cousin, Karimi. 336Unlike Khoury and Karimi, Mir did not persist in further crimes beyond the terrible events of 1 July 2010. However, he was one of the young men who entered the Rogers and Burgess homes, and who played a direct part in the murder of Kesley Burgess. 337The objective gravity of Mir's offences is high. 338I take into account Mir's subjective circumstances. The evidence indicates that he was subjected to a level of trauma as a child in Afghanistan, followed by family instability upon the death of his father in Australia. However, it was Mir who made the fateful decision to take up Karimi's suggestion that he become involved in the criminal group, ignoring the sensible advice of Eliza Brown. No pressure was placed on him to take this course. 339Mir has a limited criminal history. There are signs in the evidence before the Court on sentence that there are prospects for his rehabilitation. He has demonstrated a capacity to work in custody, and has expressed a clear intention to further his education and training to make productive use of what will be a lengthy period in prison. However, he has expressed no contrition or remorse. 340Once again, I accept the Crown submission that there ought be a level of accumulation for each of Counts 5, 6 and 8. Each offence involves a separate victim. The fact that the offences were committed relatively close in time ought not lead to the imposition of entirely concurrent sentences. 341Although Count 6 and 8 were both committed in the Burgess household very close in time, there was a separate attack and threats to Tracey Burgess in addition to the fatal attack upon Kesley Burgess. 342A finding of special circumstances should be made by reason of accumulation of sentences. As with the other Offenders, the effective non-parole period will represent the minimum term he should serve in custody for his crimes, having regard to all the purposes of sentencing. The balance of term will provide adequate time by way of conditional liberty to assist his return to the community upon release. 343His sentence will commence from the date of his arrest on 22 July 2010.
Sentences 344John Khoury, would you please stand. 345For the offence contained in Count 1, conspiracy to commit armed robbery at Villawood on 29 June 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of four years commencing on 29 September 2010 and expiring on 28 September 2014, with a balance of term of two years commencing on 29 September 2014 and expiring on 28 September 2016. 346For Count 12, the offence of possession of a prohibited firearm at Villawood between 29 June 2010 and 4 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of three years commencing on 29 September 2010 and expiring on 28 September 2013, with a balance of term of one year commencing on 29 September 2013 and expiring on 28 September 2014. 347For Count 2, the specially aggravated break, enter and steal committed at Ashcroft on 29 June 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 29 September 2012 and expiring on 28 September 2019, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 29 September 2019 and expiring on 28 September 2022. 348For Count 4, the recruitment of Tomasi Natuba at Chester Hill on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to a fixed term of imprisonment of three years commencing on 29 September 2015 and expiring on 28 September 2018. 349For Count 5, the armed robbery of Maxine Rogers at Warwick Farm on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 29 September 2015 and expiring on 28 September 2022, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 29 September 2022 and expiring on 28 September 2025. 350For Count 8, the armed robbery of Tracey Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 29 September 2017 and expiring on 28 September 2024, with a balance of term of four years commencing on 29 September 2024 and expiring on 28 September 2028. 351For Count 9, the offence of conspiracy to murder at Sydney on or about 3 July 2010, I sentence you to a non-parole period of nine years commencing on 29 September 2020 and expiring on 28 September 2029, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 29 September 2029 and expiring on 28 September 2032. 352For Count 6, the murder of Kesley Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of 18 years commencing on 29 September 2024 and expiring on 28 September 2042, with a balance of term of eight years commencing on 29 September 2042 and expiring on 28 September 2050. 353You will not be eligible for release to parole until 28 September 2042. 354The total effective sentence is one comprising an effective non-parole period of 32 years and a balance of term of eight years. 355Mohammad Jawad Karimi, would you please stand. 356For Count 1, conspiracy to commit armed robbery at Villawood on 29 June 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of four years commencing on 4 July 2010 and expiring on 3 July 2014, with a balance of term of two years commencing on 4 July 2014 and expiring on 3 July 2016. 357For Count 2, the specially aggravated break, enter and steal at Ashcroft on 29 June 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of six years commencing on 4 July 2012 and expiring on 3 July 2018, with a balance of term of two years commencing on 4 July 2018 and expiring on 3 July 2020. 358For Count 5, the armed robbery of Maxine Rogers at Warwick Farm on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 4 July 2015 and expiring on 3 July 2022, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 4 July 2022 and expiring on 3 July 2025. 359For Count 8, the armed robbery of Tracey Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 4 July 2017 and expiring on 3 July 2024, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 4 July 2024 and expiring on 3 July 2027. 360For Count 9, conspiracy to murder at Sydney on or about 3 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of nine years commencing on 4 July 2020 an expiring on 3 July 2029, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 4 July 2029 and expiring on 3 July 2032. 361For Count 11, possession of a prohibited firearm at Miller on 4 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of three years commencing on 4 July 2020 and expiring on 3 July 2023, with a balance of term of one year commencing on 4 July 2023 and expiring on 3 July 2024. 362For Count 6, the murder of Kesley Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of 17 years commencing on 4 July 2023 and expiring on 3 July 2040, with a balance of term of seven years commencing on 4 July 2040 and expiring on 3 July 2047. 363The earliest date upon which you will be eligible for release on parole is 3 July 2040. 364The total effective sentence is one comprising a non-parole period of 30 years, with a balance of term of seven years. 365Mahdi Mir, would you please stand. 366For Count 5, the armed robbery of Maxine Rogers at Warwick Farm on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 22 July 2010 and expiring on 21 July 2017, with a balance of term of three years commencing on 22 July 2017 and expiring on 21 July 2020. 367For Count 8, the armed robbery of Tracey Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of seven years commencing on 22 July 2012 and expiring on 21 July 2019, with a balance of term of four years commencing on 22 July 2019 and expiring on 21 July 2023. 368For Count 6, the murder of Kesley Burgess at Lurnea on 1 July 2010, I sentence you to imprisonment comprising a non-parole period of 19 years commencing on 22 July 2015 and expiring on 21 July 2034, with a balance of term of seven years commencing on 22 July 2034 and expiring on 21 July 2041. 369The earliest date upon which you will be eligible for release on parole is 21 July 2034. 370The total effective sentence imposed is one comprising a non-parole period of 24 years, with a balance of term of seven years. 371I am obliged to tell each of you of the existence of the Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006, which applies to "serious violence offences" including the offence of murder and other offences for which you have been sentenced. In summary, this means that the State can apply to the Supreme Court for an order that you continue to receive supervision or be held in detention at the end of your sentence, if the Court considers that you would be a "high risk offender" who poses an unacceptable risk of committing a serious violence offence. It is therefore in the interests of each of you to engage in rehabilitation opportunities that may be offered to you in the course of your sentence.
DISCLAIMER - Every effort has been made to comply with suppression orders or statutory provisions prohibiting publication that may apply to this judgment or decision. The onus remains on any person using material in the judgment or decision to ensure that the intended use of that material does not breach any such order or provision. Further enquiries may be directed to the Registry of the Court or Tribunal in which it was generated. Decision last updated: 29 November 2013