R v Matthews [2014] NSWSC 608

R v Matthews [2014] NSWSC 608

Having regard to the very serious nature of the offending, the high level of moral culpability, the utilitarian value of the plea of guilty entered on the first day of trial, and the requirement that sentencing practice as at 1992 be applied, the appropriate sentence is 21 years and 6 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 16 years and 3 months.

Parties
Crown: Regina; Offender: Steve Isac Matthews
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
22 May 2014
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentence
Outcome
Offender convicted and sentenced to imprisonment
Legal Topics
Murder, Sentencing, Plea of Guilty, Backdating of Sentence, Sentencing Practice at Time of Offence
Criminal Law Murder Sentencing Plea of Guilty Backdating of Sentence Sentencing Practice at Time of Offence

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Parties

Regina

Crown

Steve Isac Matthews

Offender

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the appropriate sentence for the offender convicted of the murder of Pia Navida, having regard to sentencing practices in 1992?
  2. 2 How should the late plea of guilty be reflected in sentence?
  3. 3 What is the offender’s level of moral culpability and prospects of rehabilitation?

Ratio Decidendi

Having regard to the very serious nature of the offending, the high level of moral culpability, the utilitarian value of the plea of guilty entered on the first day of trial, and the requirement that sentencing practice as at 1992 be applied, the appropriate sentence is 21 years and 6 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 16 years and 3 months.

Court Disposition

Offender convicted and sentenced to imprisonment

Orders

  • The offender is convicted of the murder of Pia Navida.
  • The offender is sentenced to a non-parole period of 16 years and 3 months imprisonment, commencing on 2 August 2011 and expiring on 1 November 2027, with an additional term of 5 years and 3 months imprisonment, commencing on 2 November 2027 and expiring on 1 February 2033.