In the case of R v Turner [2024] QCA 172, Jennifer Joan, the Queensland Court of Appeal considered an application for leave to appeal against a 10-year imprisonment sentence. Turner pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while under the influence of methylamphetamine and excessively speeding at 164 km/h. The incident occurred while she was on parole, compounding her previous drug-related convictions. The Court acknowledged her prior criminal history and significant traffic violations, ruling that the severe sentence was warranted given the circumstances and was consistent with the requirement for community protection and deterrence. Turner's plea of guilty and time already served in custody were factored into the sentence, consequently upholding the 10-year term, which automatically included a serious violent offence declaration, thus requiring her to serve 80% of the sentence before parole eligibility. The appeal court dismissed the argument that the sentence was manifestly excessive, noting the seriousness of Turner's offending and the appropriate exercise of sentencing discretion by the lower court.
Full text: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/148928