Appeals from convictions and sentences for criminal contempt imposed by a Supreme Court judge in Western Australia lie to the Court of Appeal under s 58(1)(b) of the Supreme Court Act 1935 (WA). The Criminal Appeals Act 2004 (WA) does not cover the field in relation to criminal contempt. In sentencing for contempt of the CCC in the context of organised crime investigations, general deterrence is the most significant factor, and sentences must be significant enough to discourage prospective witnesses from making a calculated choice to suffer a penalty rather than give evidence. A plea of guilty that is merely a recognition of the inevitable outcome and is not indicative of remorse, acceptance of responsibility or willingness to facilitate the course of justice need not attract any sentencing discount.
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