In the case of MJPL v The King [2024] QChC 14, the Childrens Court of Queensland addressed an application for a sentence review in the context of juvenile justice. The applicant, a 14-year-old, had previously pleaded guilty to 18 offenses, including a serious assault charge, and had been sentenced to six months detention with a conditional release order for most charges and a 12-month probation for the assault. However, the applicant challenged the sentences arguing they were excessive, particularly given his disadvantaged background and the 83 days spent in pre-sentence custody. The court acknowledged shortcomings in the initial sentencing process, such as the lack of adequate consideration of the applicant’s personal circumstances and prior custody time. As a result, the court set aside the original orders, instead imposing three months detention with a conditional release order for certain charges, nine months probation for others, and reprimands for two minor charges.
Full text: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/149905