Regina v Loretta Stubbs

Loretta Stubbs was charged with the offence of doing an act with intent to influence a witness. The case was heard in the relevant court where she entered a plea of guilty. The offence was committed while she was on a bond under section 9 of the relevant legislation. The court was tasked with determining an appropriate sentence for this offence, taking into account its seriousness and the mitigating and aggravating factors. The defence argued for a sentence that would provide a fair reflection of the crime's gravity while also considering the offender's circumstances. The prosecution highlighted the objective seriousness of the offence and the need for deterrence and denunciation.

The court considered various aspects of the offence, including the intent behind the act and its potential impact on the witness. The sentencing principles relevant to the case included the need to deter similar conduct, the offender's culpability, and the impact on the community. The court also took into account the offender's background, including her history of offending and any mitigating factors such as remorse. In its sentencing decision, the court emphasised the importance of maintaining public confidence in the justice system by ensuring that the sentence was proportionate to the offence and reflected its seriousness.

The court ultimately determined that the offence was of a high level of seriousness, warranting a significant custodial sentence. The non-parole period was set at 13 months, with the balance of the term set at 11 months. This decision balanced the need for punishment and deterrence with the principles of proportionality and rehabilitation. The court's judgment provides guidance on the approach to sentencing for similar offences, particularly those involving witness interference while on bond.