R v Ronald Edward Medich (No. 43) [2018] NSWSC 886

R v Ronald Edward Medich (No. 43) [2018] NSWSC 886

The offender, motivated by deep-seated hatred and significant financial disputes, directed and financed the contract killing of Michael Loch McGurk and the intimidation of Kimberley McGurk. The criminality was aggravated by premeditation, use of a firearm, committing the offence in presence of a child, financial gain, and planning. However, although the offender's culpability exceeded that of co-offenders, a life sentence was not imposed due to the parity principle and the sentences previously imposed on co-offenders. The total criminality warranted accumulated sentences: 4 years and 6 months for intimidation, and for murder, a non-parole period of 27 years plus an additional 9 years,...

Parties
Prosecution: Regina (Crown); Offender: Ronald Edward Medich
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
21 June 2018
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentencing After Conviction by Jury
Outcome
Offender sentenced to imprisonment for cumulative terms: 4 years 6 months for intimidation and, for murder, a non-parole period of 27 years plus 9 years additional term; total sentence 39 years imprisonment. Eligible for parole on 26 February 2048; sentence expires 26 February 2057.
Legal Topics
Murder, Intimidation, Joint Criminal Enterprise, Sentencing, Parity Principle
Criminal Law Murder Intimidation Joint Criminal Enterprise Sentencing Parity Principle

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 37 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 12
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Regina (Crown)

Prosecution

Ronald Edward Medich

Offender

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing After Conviction by Jury

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the appropriate sentence for the murder of Michael Loch McGurk?
  2. 2 What is the appropriate sentence for the intimidation of Kimberley McGurk?
  3. 3 Should a life sentence be imposed for the murder?

Ratio Decidendi

The offender, motivated by deep-seated hatred and significant financial disputes, directed and financed the contract killing of Michael Loch McGurk and the intimidation of Kimberley McGurk. The criminality was aggravated by premeditation, use of a firearm, committing the offence in presence of a child, financial gain, and planning. However, although the offender's culpability exceeded that of co-offenders, a life sentence was not imposed due to the parity principle and the sentences previously imposed on co-offenders. The total criminality warranted accumulated sentences: 4 years and 6 months for intimidation, and for murder, a non-parole period of 27 years plus an additional 9 years,...

Court Disposition

Offender sentenced to imprisonment for cumulative terms: 4 years 6 months for intimidation and, for murder, a non-parole period of 27 years plus 9 years additional term; total sentence 39 years imprisonment. Eligible for parole on 26 February 2048; sentence expires 26 February 2057.

Orders

  • In respect of the intimidation of Kimberley McGurk, the offender is sentenced to imprisonment for a period of 4 years and 6 months commencing on 27 February 2018 and expiring on 26 August 2022. No non-parole period set.
  • In respect of the murder of Michael Loch McGurk, the offender is sentenced to a non-parole period of 27 years imprisonment, commencing on 27 February 2021 and expiring on 26 February 2048, with an additional term of 9 years imprisonment, commencing on 27 February 2048 and expiring on 26 February 2057.