Sullivan v Tasmania

Sullivan appealed against a sentence of 5½ years' imprisonment with a parole ineligibility period of 3 years, imposed by the Supreme Court of Tasmania following a conviction for aggravated armed robbery. The robbery involved the use of a knife at a hotel.

The appeal raised the question of whether the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive or inadequate, thereby providing grounds for interference by the appellate court.

The Full Court of the Supreme Court of Tasmania, comprising Blow CJ, Porter and Pearce JJ, considered the circumstances of the offence and the sentencing principles applicable to aggravated armed robbery. The court found no error in the sentencing judge's determination and concluded that the sentence was not manifestly excessive.

Consequently, the appeal was dismissed.