R v Singh

Jobanpreet Singh was sentenced in the Auckland High Court for his involvement in the attempted murder of Harnek Singh. The attack was meticulously planned by Gurinderpal Brar, the spiritual leader of a local Sikh temple, who was incensed by Harnek Singh's commentary on Sikh politics and religion. Singh and his co-offenders executed the plan by following Harnek Singh to his home, where they viciously assaulted him, inflicting over 40 stab wounds. The attack left Harnek Singh with life-altering injuries and a harrowing psychological impact on him and his family.

The court had to decide on the appropriate sentence for Singh, considering both the aggravating and mitigating factors of the case. The Crown argued for a starting point of 12 years and six months’ imprisonment, aligning with the sentences of Singh's co-offenders, while Singh's counsel contended for a lesser starting point due to his more limited physical involvement in the attack. Regarding personal mitigating factors, the Crown opposed any significant discounts, whereas Singh's counsel highlighted his difficult upbringing, lack of family support in New Zealand, and his devout nature which made him susceptible to the influence of Gurinderpal Brar.

The court adopted a slightly lower starting point of 11 years and six months’ imprisonment, acknowledging Singh's lesser role in the physical attack. A discount of 15 per cent was granted for the personal mitigating factors presented in the cultural and psychological reports. However, no discount was given for good character or the prospects of rehabilitation due to Singh's lack of remorse and denial of his involvement in the offence. A reduction of nine months was made for the time Singh spent on electronically monitored bail. Consequently, Singh was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for the charge of attempted murder.