The Court of Appeal held that a sentence of life imprisonment for the adult co-offender (Bates) on two counts of manslaughter and one of assault occasioning bodily harm was manifestly excessive, substituting 18 years imprisonment with a serious violent offence declaration. The majority (Williams JA and Atkinson J) considered that the sentencing judge had failed to give adequate weight to the guilty plea and that life imprisonment was disproportionate in the circumstances, notwithstanding the seriousness of the offending. The application by the juvenile co-offender (Baker), sentenced to 12 years with a serious violent offence declaration, was dismissed, the Court finding that sentence was within the appropriate range having regard to her youth, lack of criminal history, and the requirements of the Juvenile Justice Act 1992 (Qld).
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