Robert Clive Watts v The Queen [1985] FCA 302

Robert Clive Watts v The Queen [1985] FCA 302

A sentencing Judge in the ACT is not permitted to adjust upwards the non-parole period by reason of the remissions regime that may apply under the Probation and Parole Act 1983 (NSW); such upward adjustment constitutes error, and the appropriate non-parole period must be fixed as if the remissions regime did not exist.

Parties
Appellant: Robert Clive Watts; Respondent: The Queen
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
27 March 1985
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal From Sentence Imposed by Supreme Court of the ACT
Outcome
Appeal allowed in part
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Non Parole Period, Remissions, Application of Probation and Parole Act 1983 (nsw) to ACT Prisoners

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Parties

Robert Clive Watts

Appellant

The Queen

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal From Sentence Imposed by Supreme Court of the ACT

  1. 1 Whether the sentencing Judge erred in having regard to remissions of the non-parole period under the Probation and Parole Act 1983 (NSW) and its regulations when sentencing a person convicted in the ACT and to serve sentence in NSW.

Ratio Decidendi

A sentencing Judge in the ACT is not permitted to adjust upwards the non-parole period by reason of the remissions regime that may apply under the Probation and Parole Act 1983 (NSW); such upward adjustment constitutes error, and the appropriate non-parole period must be fixed as if the remissions regime did not exist.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed in part

Orders

  • The appeal is allowed.
  • The sentence of three years' imprisonment with hard labour is confirmed.