R v Topp - [2024] NZHC 1958
Date of Judgment
16 July 2024
Decision
Summary
Sentence following guilty verdicts by jury on charges of: murder of 3 month old daughter; a representative charge of causing Baby H grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; and causing Baby H grievous bodily harm with intent to cause injury.
Taking into account the aggravating and mitigating features of the offending, appropriate starting point is 15 years, uplifted by 12 months for the convictions for causing grievous bodily harm and injurying. There are no mitigating factors justifying a discount. Taking into account the seriousness and circumstances of the offending, the Court is not satisfied that the difference between the 16 year nominal MPI and 17 years (as required by s 104(g) would be manifestly unjust.
Final sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum period of imprisonment of 17 years.
Taking into account the aggravating and mitigating features of the offending, appropriate starting point is 15 years, uplifted by 12 months for the convictions for causing grievous bodily harm and injurying. There are no mitigating factors justifying a discount. Taking into account the seriousness and circumstances of the offending, the Court is not satisfied that the difference between the 16 year nominal MPI and 17 years (as required by s 104(g) would be manifestly unjust.
Final sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum period of imprisonment of 17 years.