A sentence of 7 years' imprisonment for possession of approximately 8 kg of pure amphetamine in a minding role over five weeks, with an early plea of guilty and limited cooperation, was manifestly inadequate. The substituted sentence of 9 years (with 4½ years non-parole) reflects the appropriate balance between the seriousness of the offence and mitigating factors. The case confirms that a plea of guilty carries less weight where the offender was caught red-handed, and that cooperation which falls short of providing statements or undertaking to give evidence warrants only limited discount.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 6 later cases that cite this judgment.
2 of the 6 citing cases carry a classified treatment. How each court treated it is available to signed-in members.