A sentence of 8 years' imprisonment for trafficking simpliciter in methylamphetamine was manifestly excessive notwithstanding the applicant's position at the apex of a sophisticated drug syndicate, where the applicant was relatively young (23-25), had a troubled personal history including drug addiction, reasonable rehabilitation prospects, family support, and entered an early guilty plea. The Court resentenced to 6 years and 6 months. Indictable offences charged summarily cannot be transferred from the Magistrates' Court to the County Court under ss 145 or 243 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic), and convictions entered following such a transfer are a nullity.
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