Stemler v R [2017] NSWCCA 320

Stemler v R [2017] NSWCCA 320

The Court found error due to lack of transparency in fixing the non-parole period, but concluded no lesser head sentence was warranted. The non-parole period should be reduced to five years as appropriate to reflect the applicant's guilty plea and relevant circumstances.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
15 December 2017
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Sentence Appeal
Outcome
Appeal allowed; leave to appeal granted
Legal Topics
['sentencing' 'drug Offences' 'leniency' 'non Parole Period' 'guilty Plea Discounts' 'federal Sentencing Ratio']

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 1 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Sentence Appeal

  1. 1 ["Whether leniency should have been allowed given applicant's prior conviction and bond" 'Whether sentencing judge erred by adopting a two-stage approach for Commonwealth sentencing' 'Whether the sentencing discount for guilty plea was properly reflected in the non-parole period']

Ratio Decidendi

The Court found error due to lack of transparency in fixing the non-parole period, but concluded no lesser head sentence was warranted. The non-parole period should be reduced to five years as appropriate to reflect the applicant's guilty plea and relevant circumstances.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; leave to appeal granted

Orders

  • ['Quash the sentence imposed by the District Court for the offence of attempt to possess a marketable quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug (cocaine) contrary to s 307.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)' 'In lieu, sentence the applicant to imprisonment for 7 years and 9 months, commencing 2...