R v Michael Peter Christiansen [2011] NSWSC 840

R v Michael Peter Christiansen [2011] NSWSC 840

The offender's commission of murder in furtherance of a criminal contract, involving a high degree of premeditation and moral culpability, combined with serious drug and firearms offences, required an aggregate sentence that reflected the gravity of the offences and allowed appropriate discounts for late pleas and qualified assistance, resulting in the sentences imposed.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
29 July 2011
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentence
Outcome
Sentences imposed on four counts with accumulation; drugs to be destroyed except for the 2985.5g methylamphetamine; back up drug charges dismissed; eligibility for release on 16 June 2026.
Legal Topics
['murder' 'sentencing' 'drug Trafficking' 'plea of Guilty' 'firearm Offence' 'supply Prohibited Drug']
['criminal Law'] ['murder' 'sentencing' 'drug Trafficking' 'plea of Guilty' 'firearm Offence' 'supply Prohibited Drug']

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 / Sentence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 ['Appropriateness of sentence for murder and related drug and firearm offences' 'Consideration of subjective/objective gravity in sentencing for contract-like killing' 'Extent of discounts for guilty pleas and assistance to authorities' 'Effect of amendment of indictment to correct Law Part Code' 'Whether circumstances amount to a true contract killing']

Ratio Decidendi

The offender's commission of murder in furtherance of a criminal contract, involving a high degree of premeditation and moral culpability, combined with serious drug and firearms offences, required an aggregate sentence that reflected the gravity of the offences and allowed appropriate discounts for late pleas and qualified assistance, resulting in the sentences imposed.

Court Disposition

Sentences imposed on four counts with accumulation; drugs to be destroyed except for the 2985.5g methylamphetamine; back up drug charges dismissed; eligibility for release on 16 June 2026.

Orders

  • ['On count 1 (murder): non parole period 15 years 3 months from 16 March 2011 to 15 June 2026, balance of term 5 years 9 months to 15 March 2032.' 'On count 2 (firearm): fixed term 1 year 8 months from 16 December 2008 to 15 August 2010.' 'On count 3 (supply methylamphetamine): non parole period 5 years from 16...