SG v The State of Western Australia

The appellant, SG, appealed against his sentence of 12 years' imprisonment for a series of sexual offences against a child he had fathered. The State of Western Australia opposed the appeal. The trial judge had found that SG had engaged in sexual acts with the child from the age of 11, resulting in pregnancy at 15. The court of appeal was tasked with determining whether the sentence was manifestly excessive and whether the trial judge had failed to properly consider the principles of sentencing in relation to sexual offences against children.

The court considered whether the sentence imposed by the trial judge was manifestly excessive, taking into account the gravity of the offences, the age of the victim, and the appellant's criminal history. The court noted that the appellant had no remorse, had a lengthy criminal record, and posed a moderate to high risk of reoffending. The court held that the sentence was not manifestly excessive, as it reflected the severity of the crimes committed against a vulnerable child and the appellant's risk of reoffending. The court also considered whether the trial judge had failed to properly apply the principles of sentencing in relation to sexual offences against children, and found that the trial judge had appropriately exercised their discretion.

The court dismissed the appeal, finding that the sentence imposed was appropriate in all the circumstances. The appeal was refused, and the original sentence was upheld.