R v Thompson; ex parte

In this case, the Attorney-General for the State of New South Wales appealed against the sentence imposed on the respondent, Thompson, by the District Court. Thompson was convicted of administering drugs to multiple complainants and indecently assaulting two complainants while under the influence of drugs. The appeal focused on whether the original sentence of five years imprisonment, suspended after 18 months, was manifestly inadequate.

The court had to determine whether the sentence was disproportionately lenient considering the gravity of Thompson's crimes. This involved assessing the abuse of professional and personal trust, the impact on the victims, and the severity of the offences. The court noted that the prosecutor did not object when the judge indicated the proposed sentence, which was a significant factor in the appeal.

After considering the arguments presented, the court concluded that the original sentence was indeed manifestly inadequate. The court allowed the appeal, set aside the original sentence, and imposed a new sentence of six years imprisonment, with a recommendation for eligibility for post-prison community-based release after two and a half years. The court confirmed the sentences imposed on the other counts.