King v William Hutchison
This judgment serves as a guide for sentencing in murder cases which involve domestic violence and are characterised by a prior, prolonged history of domestic violence.
This judgment serves as a guide for sentencing in murder cases which involve domestic violence and are characterised by a prior, prolonged history of domestic violence.
Renewed application for leave to appeal a 21 year minimum term imposed in connection with a mandatory life sentence following a late plea to murder – femicide case involving significant domestic violence – whether the judge erred in law when determining the appropriate sentence prior to adjustment for the plea – whether the judge failed to take into account certain factors as mitigation and made insufficient allowance for a guilty plea – court held judge did not fall into error of double counting – the applicant had a history of violence against previous partners – deliberately chose not to summon medical assistance – sentence transparent – no mitigation save for reduction for plea – no basis to interfere with the level of reduction granted – no remorse – leave refused – appeal dismissed.