A non-parole period of 17 years for murder was manifestly inadequate where the offence involved a sustained, frenzied attack with intent to kill, multiple weapons, attempts to cover up the crime, and the offender had an extensive prior criminal history of violent offending including a previous manslaughter conviction. A non-parole period of 21 years was substituted. The case confirms that an offender's prior record of violent offending retains significant weight in sentencing even where the offender will not be eligible for parole until their late 50s — to hold otherwise would impermissibly place primary emphasis on rehabilitation prospects.
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