R v Matthew Allen James Dennis [2009] NSWSC 1357

R v Matthew Allen James Dennis [2009] NSWSC 1357

The offender, having abused a position of trust and inflicted serious injuries on a vulnerable child but in an unplanned manner without intent to kill, is sentenced to imprisonment with a non-parole period of 20 years, considering his youth, good character, prospects for rehabilitation, and conditions of custody.

Parties
Crown: Regina; Accused: Matthew Allen James Dennis
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
04 December 2009
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentencing
Outcome
guilty
Legal Topics
Murder, Sentencing, Child Victim
Criminal Law Murder Sentencing Child Victim

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Regina

Crown

Matthew Allen James Dennis

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the appropriate sentence for the murder of a child?
  2. 2 Did the offender intend to kill or cause really serious bodily injury to the child?
  3. 3 Are there aggravating or mitigating factors applicable to the sentence?

Ratio Decidendi

The offender, having abused a position of trust and inflicted serious injuries on a vulnerable child but in an unplanned manner without intent to kill, is sentenced to imprisonment with a non-parole period of 20 years, considering his youth, good character, prospects for rehabilitation, and conditions of custody.

Court Disposition

guilty

Orders

  • Matthew Allen Dennis is sentenced to imprisonment for murder.
  • Non-parole period of 20 years commencing from 17 April 2008 and expiring on 16 April 2028.