R v Helen Ryan ; R v Coralie Coulter [2011] NSWSC 1249

R v Helen Ryan ; R v Coralie Coulter [2011] NSWSC 1249

Both offenders were found guilty of murder following a contract killing arranged for largely financial motives; sentences reflect objective gravity, lack of remorse, offender roles, and statutory sentencing requirements.

Parties
Crown: Regina; Offender: Helen Kay Ryan; Offender: Coralie Coulter
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
21 October 2011
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentencing After Trial Verdict
Outcome
Helen Ryan and Coralie Coulter convicted of murder and sentenced; non parole period and balance of term set.
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Murder, Contract Killing
Criminal Law Sentencing Murder Contract Killing

Case Brief

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Parties

Regina

Crown

Helen Kay Ryan

Offender

Coralie Coulter

Offender

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing After Trial Verdict

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Appropriate sentence for murder committed as a contract killing
  2. 2 Consideration of offender's role and motivation in murder
  3. 3 Assessment of mitigation and aggravation factors

Ratio Decidendi

Both offenders were found guilty of murder following a contract killing arranged for largely financial motives; sentences reflect objective gravity, lack of remorse, offender roles, and statutory sentencing requirements.

Court Disposition

Helen Ryan and Coralie Coulter convicted of murder and sentenced; non parole period and balance of term set.

Orders

  • Helen Ryan sentenced to a non parole period of 27 years from 8 February 2010 (expires 7 February 2037), with a balance of 9 years (expires 7 February 2046); eligible for parole on 8 February 2037.
  • Coralie Coulter sentenced to a non parole period of 18 years from 10 February 2010 (expires 9 February 2028), with a balance of 9 years (expires 9 February 2037); eligible for parole on 10 February 2028.