Newson v Police

Newson appealed against his sentence for breaches of his obligations under the Sex Offender Registration Act 2004 (SA). The appellant had previously been convicted of sexual offences and was required to comply with various reporting obligations under the Act. He was required to report the use of any electronic communication services, including mobile phones and internet services. The appellant had three mobile phones which he had not reported to the authorities. He was also found to have used these phones to access dating sites. The appellant was charged with failing to comply with his reporting obligations under the Act. The appellant was convicted by a Magistrate in the Magistrates Court and was sentenced to imprisonment. The appellant appealed the sentence, contending that it was manifestly excessive and plainly wrong. The appeal was dismissed. The court found that the appellant had deliberately breached his reporting obligations and that the Magistrate had given proper consideration to the appellant’s circumstances and the seriousness of the offending. The sentence imposed was appropriate to ensure the protection of children and to deter the appellant from further breaches of the Act. The appeal was dismissed.