27 Sept 2006
The sentencing judge properly assessed the offence as an intentional attempt to cause grievous bodily harm with significant potential for greater injury, applied an appropriate starting point and a reduction for the guilty plea, and there was no basis for appellate interference with the 3 year sentence.
22 Sept 1998
The Court held that the trial judge's starting point of 8 years was excessive; a proper starting point was 6 years and, applying a reduction for the plea and mitigation (depression, lack of record, desistance, rescue attempts and remorse), the sentence should be 4 years imprisonment, so the appeal is allowed and the sentence of 5 years is varied to 4 years.
24 Jul 1997
The Court held that the applicant's actions—striking the deceased, tying and removing her body, removing her clothing and leaving her on the staircase—constituted a wickedly callous manslaughter with significant aggravating post‑offence conduct; the six‑year custodial sentence was within an appropriate range and not manifestly excessive, so the appeal must be dismissed.
15 Apr 1986
The conviction was upheld because the evidence, including the appellant's written and oral admissions that he placed his arm around the victim's neck and rendered her unconscious and other corroborating facts, entitled the jury to find an intent to cause grievous bodily harm, which suffices for murder; the cautioned statement was properly admitted and the summing up and unanimity directions were correct.