Stebbins v Tasmania

Stebbins appealed against a sentence imposed by the Supreme Court of Tasmania following his conviction for drug trafficking offences. The appeal concerned whether the sentence of 12 years and six months' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of seven years, was manifestly excessive.

The central legal issue before the Full Court of the Supreme Court of Tasmania was whether the sentencing judge erred in imposing the particular sentence, considering the nature of the drug trafficking operation, the appellant's continued offending while on bail, and the principle of general deterrence.

The Court considered the significant scale of the drug trafficking operation and the appellant's persistent engagement in criminal activity even after being granted bail. It was held that general deterrence was a crucial consideration in sentencing for such serious offences. The Court found no error in the sentencing judge's approach, concluding that the sentence imposed was not manifestly excessive given the gravity of the offending and the need to deter others from similar conduct.

The appeal was accordingly dismissed.