In the R v WCF [2024] QCA 148, the Queensland Court of Appeal reviewed an application for leave to appeal against a sentence imposed on the applicant, a juvenile, in the Childrens Court of Queensland. On 27 February 2024, the applicant was sentenced to a total of 9 months' detention, which was immediately suspended on a 6-month conditional release order, for seven offences across two separate indictments, with convictions recorded for each offence. The applicant, who committed the offences at age 15 and was 16 at sentencing, had a previous criminal history, including serious charges such as robbery and aggravated violence. The key ground for appeal was that the recording of convictions rendered the sentence manifestly excessive, particularly in light of the applicant's young age and recent positive changes in her behaviour and support structure. However, the Court dismissed the application, affirming that the sentencing judge appropriately considered all circumstances, including the nature of the offences, the applicant's previous conduct, and her lack of remorse.
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