Horne v R [2023] NSWCCA 276

Horne v R [2023] NSWCCA 276

Ms Samowitz's notes would not have led the sentencing judge to accept the applicant's allegations of childhood abuse as fact, as they constituted further hearsay. The sentencing judge’s reservations arose from contrary evidence in earlier reports and the absence of corroboration from the applicant or his parents. The failure to tender the notes did not materially affect the sentencing outcome, and no miscarriage of justice occurred.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
10 November 2023
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
Leave to appeal granted; appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
['appeal Against Sentence' 'procedural Fairness' 'evidence (hearsay)' 'sentencing Discretion']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

  1. 1 ["Whether a miscarriage of justice occurred due to the failure of the applicant's representatives to tender psychologist's notes during sentencing" 'Whether the absence of evidence of alleged childhood abuse was material to the sentence imposed']

Ratio Decidendi

Ms Samowitz's notes would not have led the sentencing judge to accept the applicant's allegations of childhood abuse as fact, as they constituted further hearsay. The sentencing judge’s reservations arose from contrary evidence in earlier reports and the absence of corroboration from the applicant or his parents. The failure to tender the notes did not materially affect the sentencing outcome, and no miscarriage of justice occurred.

Court Disposition

Leave to appeal granted; appeal dismissed

Orders

  • ['Grant leave to appeal' 'Appeal dismissed']