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[2022] NSWCCA 190
Court of Criminal Appeal (NSW)
2022-08-26
Beech-Jones CJ, Adamson J, Bellew J
Original judgment source is linked above.
Background
Sequence 8/91 - Causing KB to take an intoxicating substance with intent to enable the commission of an indictable offence, namely sexual intercourse without consent
Sequence 4/91 - Intentionally recording intimate images of KB without consent
Sequences 2/91 and 3/91 - Sexual intercourse with KB without consent
Events following the offending against KB
The applicant's arrest
Further investigations
Sequence 3/53 - Intentionally recording intimate images of MH without consent
Sequence 4/53 - Attempting to intentionally record intimate images of JM without consent
FINDINGS OF THE SENTENCING JUDGE AS TO OBJECTIVE SERIOUSNESS
Sequence 8/91
Sequences 2/91 and 3/91
Sequence 4/91
Sequence 3/53
Sequence 3/53
THE APPLICANT'S SUBJECTIVE CASE
Submissions of the applicant
Submissions of the Crown
CONSIDERATION
ORDERS
Endnotes
Amendments 23 September 2022 - [6] first sentence - "...aggregate sentence included different sentences" amended to read "...aggregate sentence included different offences" 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: 23 September 2022
Sharma
R
HEADNOTE [This headnote is not to be read as part of the judgment] The applicant formed a relationship with the victim (KB) through a dating app. KB suffered from Trigemina Neuralgia, as a consequence of which she experienced episodic pain. The applicant told her that he could provide her with analgesic medication but instead gave her several tablets of Zolpidem, a sleep inducing sedative, which caused her to lose consciousness. Whilst unconscious, the applicant took a number of images of KB partially naked, before having sexual intercourse with her on three occasions. When arrested, police seized the applicant's phone, analysis of which revealed the presence of intimate images and videos taken of another victim (MH) along with a video which had been taken of a third victim (JM). The applicant pleaded guilty to: 1. one count of causing KB to take an intoxicating substance to enable the commission of an indictable offence; 2. two counts of having sexual intercourse with KB without her consent (attached to one of which was a Form 1 containing a further similar count); 3. one count of intentionally recording intimate images of KB without her consent; 4. one count of intentionally recording intimate images of MH without her consent; and 5. one count of attempting to intentionally record an intimate image of JM without her consent. The sentencing judge imposed an aggregate sentence of 11 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 7 years. In doing so, the sentencing judge applied a discount of 25% to the indicative sentences. The applicant sought leave to appeal against that sentence on the single ground that it was manifestly excessive. In advancing that ground, the appellant did not assert specific error, but argued that manifest excess was apparent from: 1. the undiscounted aggregate sentence; 2. the application of the discount to some of the particular counts of offending; and 3. the sentences imposed in other cases of similar offending. Held granting leave to appeal and dismissing the appeal: Per Beech-Jones CJ at CL (Adamson J agreeing): 1. There is limited utility in comparing an aggregate sentence imposed in one case with that imposed in another, particularly in circumstances where each aggregate sentence includes different offences. In the present case, the aggregate sentence was imposed in respect of six separate counts of sexual and related offending involving three separate victims. It is one thing to analyse comparable cases to ascertain a range of sentences for particular offences as part of the process of determining whether a sentence is manifestly excessive. However, it is quite another to attempt to ascertain a range of notional discounts applied on account of the application of the totality principle for that purpose: at [6]. Per Bellew J (Beech-Jones CJ at CL and Adamson J agreeing): 1. The entirety of the applicant's offending involved a disgraceful and intrusive interference upon the personal and intimate integrity of all of the victims, and required the imposition of a stern sentence so as to give effect to principles of general deterrence and denunciation: at [69]. Greenwood v R [2014] NSWCCA 64; Samadi v R; Djait v R [2008] NSWCCA 330 applied. 1. The seriousness with which the Parliament views such offending is reflected in the maximum penalties which operate as a guidepost or yardstick: at [70]. Markarian v The Queen [2005] 228 CLR 357; [2005] HCA 25 referred to. 1. The applicant's subjective case was generally unremarkable and the sentencing judge had made such findings in his favour as were open to her: at [71]. 2. An approach to an assertion of manifest excess which involves considering the undiscounted aggregate sentence is contrary to principle. To the extent that there may be any tension in the authorities in that regard it was not necessary to resolve it. Even if such an approach were permissible, it was not one which was of any utility in the circumstances of the present case: at [72]-[74]. BB v R [2021] NSWCCA 283 applied; Chartres-Abbott v R [2021] NSWCCA 239 referred to. 1. There was nothing to suggest that there had been an incorrect application of the discount to reflect the utilitarian value of the applicant's pleas of guilty. The approach taken by the applicant in this respect would, if adopted, have the tendency to reduce sentencing to a mathematical exercise, and overlook the fundamental nature of sentencing as one involving a process of instinctive synthesis: at [72]. 2. Bearing in mind the concession made by counsel for the applicant that each of the cases relied upon for comparative purposes was distinguishable to some degree, such cases provided no support for the conclusion that the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive. This was particularly so when a number of particular matters were taken into account: at [76]-[83]. Moodie v R [2020] NSWCCA 160; Smith v R [2020] NSWCCA 181; Hili v The Queen; Jones v The Queen (2010) 242 CLR 520; [2010] HCA 45; Zahorsky v R [2013] NSWCCA 286 referred to.
[2005] HCA 25
[1998] HCA 57
(2010) 242 CLR 520
(1998) 194 CLR 610
(1997) 189 CLR 295