In R v MRB [No 2] [2024] QCA 65, the applicant applied for leave to appeal against a 16-year sentence for importing a commercial quantity of cocaine, contrary to s 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The sentencing judge highlighted the applicant's professional background and crucial role in the drug importation scheme. The applicant, a professional engineer with no prior criminal record, used sophisticated means to facilitate the importation and communicated using encrypted devices. He failed to show remorse and lied to police. The grounds for appeal included alleged errors in considering the delay between offending and sentencing and factual assumptions about the co-accused's cooperation. However, the court found no substantial delay attributable to the prosecution and concluded that the applicant's role warranted a higher level of criminality than his co-accused. Consequently, the application for leave to appeal against the sentence was dismissed, with the sentence deemed appropriate given the circumstances and comparable cases.
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