R v Wood [2024] NSWDC 529

R v Wood [2024] NSWDC 529

The offender was sentenced to an aggregate term of imprisonment of 6 years 6 months with a non-parole period of 3 years 6 months, commencing 21 December 2022, for four mid-range offences arising from a joint enterprise involving the use of a firearm at a dwelling, aggravated assault, police pursuit and driving whilst disqualified, all while on parole. The sentence reflects objective seriousness, aggravating features, parity with a co-offender, the offender's background of significant psychological disadvantage, and the need to give weight to prospects for rehabilitation by fixing a longer non-parole period due to special circumstances.

Parties
Prosecutor: Rex (Crown); Offender: Paul Wood
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
08 November 2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentence
Outcome
Aggregate term of imprisonment of 6 years 6 months with a non-parole period of 3 years 6 months; disqualification from driving for 2 years
Legal Topics
Firing Firearm at Dwelling, Police Pursuit, Dangerous Driving, Aggravated Assault, Driving During Disqualification
Criminal Law Firing Firearm at Dwelling Police Pursuit Dangerous Driving Aggravated Assault Driving During Disqualification

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Parties

Rex (Crown)

Prosecutor

Paul Wood

Offender

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Appropriate sentence for mid-range offences involving use of firearm, dangerous driving, aggravated assault, and driving during disqualification while on parole; effect of offender's psychological background and prospects for rehabilitation; application of principles of deterrence and parity

Ratio Decidendi

The offender was sentenced to an aggregate term of imprisonment of 6 years 6 months with a non-parole period of 3 years 6 months, commencing 21 December 2022, for four mid-range offences arising from a joint enterprise involving the use of a firearm at a dwelling, aggravated assault, police pursuit and driving whilst disqualified, all while on parole. The sentence reflects objective seriousness, aggravating features, parity with a co-offender, the offender's background of significant psychological disadvantage, and the need to give weight to prospects for rehabilitation by fixing a longer non-parole period due to special circumstances.

Court Disposition

Aggregate term of imprisonment of 6 years 6 months with a non-parole period of 3 years 6 months; disqualification from driving for 2 years

Orders

  • Aggregate sentence of imprisonment of 6 years 6 months from 21 December 2022
  • Non-parole period of 3 years 6 months to expire on 20 June 2026