Sentencing Bench Book Update 53 published

Update 53 amends the Bench Book to incorporate recent case law and legislative developments. The following chapters have been revised:

Objective factors (cf s 21A(1))

  • [10-010] Proportionality to add reference to DH v R [2022] NSWCCA 200 in relation to assessing the objective seriousness of the offence under consideration in sentencing.
  • [10-024] Use of sentencing statistics to clarify/correct the commentary regarding Peiris v R [2014] NSWCCA 58.

Guilty plea to be taken into account:

  • [11-505] Setting aside a guilty plea to add reference to White v R [2022] NSWCCA 241 in relation to withdrawing a plea before conviction.

Sexual offences against children

  • [17-500] Persistent sexual abuse of a child: s 66EA to add reference to Towse v R [2022] NSWCCA 252 in relation to assessing the seriousness of a s 66EA Crimes Act 1900 offence.

Assault, wounding and related offences

  • [50-080] Wound or inflict grievous bodily harm with intent to do grievous bodily harm or resist arrest: s 33 to add reference to Maybury v R [2022] NSWCCA 233 in relation to assessing injuries for a s 33(1)(a) Crimes Act offence.