R v Chung

The appellant, Chung, was convicted and sentenced in the Supreme Court of New South Wales for the supply of a prohibited drug, specifically a significant quantity of methylamphetamine, exceeding a large commercial quantity. The matter was heard and determined by Justice Hulme. The central issues before the court were the objective seriousness of the offence and the subjective factors, including the offender's role, utility of the plea, remorse, and contrition.

The court examined the objective seriousness of the offence, considering the quantity and nature of the drug supplied. It was established that the appellant was involved in the supply of a significant amount of methylamphetamine, which warranted a substantial sentence. The court also assessed the subjective factors, such as the appellant's role in the offence and the utility of the plea, which led to a 25% discount on the sentence. Although the plea of guilty indicated some level of remorse, the court noted that such a plea does not necessarily reflect genuine remorse or contrition. The court did not find any special circumstances that would warrant a further reduction in the sentence.

The Supreme Court found the appellant guilty and sentenced him to a total term of imprisonment of 6 years and 9 months. This comprised a non-parole period (NPP) of 5 years to commence on 23 February 2023 and to expire on 22 February 2028, and a balance of term of 1 year and 9 months to commence on 23 February 2028 and to expire on 22 November 2029. The appellant was deemed eligible for release to parole on 22 February 2028.