Wright v Tasmania

Wright appealed against a sentence imposed by the Supreme Court of Tasmania following his conviction for a number of offences. The appeal concerned the sentencing judge's decision to specify a non-parole period and the parity of the sentence with that imposed on a co-offender.

The Court of Criminal Appeal was required to determine whether the sentencing judge erred in specifying a non-parole period without providing adequate reasons. It also had to consider whether the sentence imposed on Wright was demonstrably unjust or disproportionate when compared to the sentence given to his co-offender, particularly in light of the fact that Wright committed the offences while on parole.

The Court found that the sentencing judge had provided sufficient reasons for specifying the non-parole period, considering the gravity of the offences and the appellant's criminal history, including the fact that the offences were committed while on parole. The Court also held that the disparity in sentences between Wright and his co-offender was justified, given the differences in their respective roles in the offending and their prior records. The appeal was accordingly dismissed.