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General Sentencing Purposes, Principles and Factors

The Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) prescribes that the primary purpose for sentencing a defendant must be to protect the safety of the community (whether as individuals or in general) [Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 3].

Section 4 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) prescribes the secondary sentencing purposes, being that:

  • The defendant is punished for the behaviour; and
  • The defendant held accountable to the community for the behaviour; and
  • The behaviour is publicly denounced; and
  • The harm done to the community and to any victim of the behaviour is publicly recognised; and
  • The defendant and others in the community are deterred from committing offences; and
  • Rehabilitation of the defendant is promoted.

In addition, the sentencing court is required to apply the common law concepts reflected in the principles of proportionality, parity and totality when sentencing a defendant [see s 10(1)]. A defendant cannot be sentenced on the basis of having committed an offence which they were not convicted of [see s 10(1)(d)].

Section 11 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) lists a number of factors the court must take into account when determining sentence. These are considered in more detail below.

*Please note that the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) replaced the previous Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 (SA) on 30 April 2018. The Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) substantially reforms the previous Act and in particular the previous section 10. The Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) separately outlines sentencing purposes, principles, and factors, and makes it clear by virtue of section 9 that the primary purpose for sentencing a defendant must be the paramount consideration when determining sentence.

In summary, the general principles of sentencing relevant to a simple guilty plea are:

Factors relating to the offence

  • The circumstances of the offence, whether any other offences are to be taken into account, and whether the offence is part of a course of conduct consisting of a series of criminal acts of the same or similar character [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(a)].

Factors relating to the victim

  • The personal circumstances and vulnerability of any victim of the offence and any injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) ss 11(1)(b) and 11(1)(c)].
  • Whether the offence was wholly or partly motivated by hatred for, or prejudice against, a group of people to which the defendant believed the victim belonged (including, but not limited to, people of a particular race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or age, or people having an intersex variation or a particular disability) [Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(ca)].

Factors relating to the defendant

  • The plea of guilty and the time in the proceedings of that plea (see further below) [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) Part 2, Division 2, Subdivision 4];
  • Whether the defendant has shown remorse for the offence [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(g)];
  • Whether the defendant has accepted responsibility for their actions [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(g)(i)];
  • Whether the defendant has acknowledged any injury, loss or damage caused by their actions, or has voluntarily made reparation for any injury, loss or damage [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(g)(ii)];
  • The defendant's character, general background, and offending history [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(d)];
  • The likelihood of the defendant re-offending [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(e)];
  • The defendant's age, and physical and mental condition (including any cognitive impairment) [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(f)];
  • The defendant's prospects of rehabilitation [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(1)(h)];
  • The defendant's participation in, and achievements in, an intervention program (but the fact that the defendant has not participated in, or has performed badly in, an intervention program is not relevant to sentence) [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) ss 11(6) and 11(17)];
  • The defendant's cooperation with law enforcement agencies in relation to serious and organised crime [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 37].

Factors relating to the general principles of sentencing

Other relevant considerations

The paramount consideration in determining and imposing sentence must always be to protect the safety of the community (the primary sentencing purpose) [Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) ss 3 and 9].

In determining sentence a court must also consider the secondary sentencing purposes:

  • To ensure that the defendant is punished for the behaviour [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 4(1)(a)(i)];
  • To ensure hat the defendant is held accountable to the community for the behaviour [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 4(1)(a)(ii)];
  • To publicly denounce the behaviour [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 4(1)(b)];
  • To publicly recognise the harm done to the community and to any victim of the offending behaviour [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 4(1)(c)];
  • To deter the defendant and others in the community from committing offences [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 4(1)(d)];
  • To promote the rehabilitation of the defendant [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 4(1)(e)].

In determining the sentence for an offence, a court must not have regard to any of the following:

  • Any of the factors in sentencing if it would be contrary to an Act or law to do so [See Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(3)];
  • The fact that the Act or another Act prescribed a mandatory minimum non parole period [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(4)(a)];
  • Any consequences that may arise under the Child Sex Offenders Registration Act 2006 [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) ss 11(4)(b) and 11(4)(c)];
  • The fact that the defendant—(i) has not participated in, or has not had the opportunity to participate in, an intervention program; or (ii) has performed badly in, or has failed to make satisfactory progress in, such a program [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 11(7)].
CONSIDER THE SENTENCING PURPOSES, PRINCIPLES AND FACTORS
The duty solicitor must consider both the primary and secondary sentencing purposes (as contained in sections 3 and 4 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA)) as well as the general sentencing principles (s 10) and individual sentencing factors (s 11) as they relate to the instructions they obtain from the defendant. They must also anticipate the factors likely to be argued by prosecution and be in a position to address those issues during submissions in mitigation of penalty should they be raised by the prosecutor.

The duty solicitor's responsibility is to present a concise, yet persuasive argument in mitigation of the penalty which may be imposed upon the defendant.

Cooperation with law enforcement - s 37

The Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) carries over the scheme previously introduced in the previous Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 (SA) regarding possible sentencing reductions for people who cooperate with law enforcement agencies. In order for a person assisting law enforcement to receive a reduction in sentence, the information provided must directly relate to combatting serious and organised criminal activity, must be provided in exceptional circumstances and must contribute significantly to the public interest [Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 37(1)].

The court is able to reduce the sentence that it would otherwise have imposed by such a percentage as it thinks appropriate [s 37 (2)].

In determining what percentage reduction to apply, the court can consider:

  • The circumstances of the defendant’s plea;
  • The nature and extent of the defendant’s cooperation;
  • The timeliness of the cooperation;
  • The truthfulness, usefulness and reliability of the information provided

along with various other considerations outlined in section 37(3) of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA).

If a person who received a reduction in sentence under section 37 later withdraws their cooperation with the law enforcement agency, the DPP can apply to the court to have the person resentenced [s 42].

Similarly, a defendant who has later cooperated with a law enforcement agency can apply to the court to have the sentence squashed and a new, reduced sentence imposed [s 43].

A court, on providing reasons for sentence, is not required to state any information that relates to a persons' cooperation with police (or other law enforcement agency) [s 19(2)].

Section 37 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) :

37—Reduction of sentences for cooperation etc with law enforcement agency

(1) A court may declare a defendant to be a defendant to whom this section applies if the court is satisfied that the defendant has cooperated or undertaken to cooperate with a law enforcement agency and the cooperation—

(a) relates directly to combating serious and organised criminal activity; and

(b) is provided in exceptional circumstances; and

(c) contributes significantly to the public interest.

(2) In determining sentence for an offence or offences to which a defendant has pleaded guilty or in respect of which a defendant has been found guilty, the court may, if the defendant is the subject of a declaration under subsection (1), reduce the sentence that it would otherwise have imposed by such percentage as the court thinks appropriate in the circumstances.

(3) In determining the percentage by which a sentence is to be reduced under this section, the court must have regard to such of the following as may be relevant:

(a) if the defendant has pleaded guilty to the offence or offences—that fact and the circumstances of the plea;

(b) the nature and extent of the defendant's cooperation or undertaking;

(c) the timeliness of the cooperation or undertaking;

(d) the truthfulness, completeness and reliability of any information or evidence provided by the defendant;

(e) the evaluation (if any) by the authorities of the significance and usefulness of the defendant's cooperation or undertaking;

(f) any benefit that the defendant has gained or is likely to gain by reason of the cooperation or undertaking;

(g) the degree to which the safety of the defendant (or some other person) has been put at risk of violent retribution as a result of the defendant's cooperation or undertaking;

(h) whether the cooperation or undertaking concerns an offence for which the defendant is being sentenced or some other offence, whether related or unrelated (and, if related, whether the offence forms part of a criminal enterprise);

(i) whether, as a consequence of the defendant's cooperation or undertaking, the defendant would be likely to suffer violent retribution while serving any term of imprisonment, or be compelled to serve any such term in particularly severe conditions;

(j) the nature of any steps that would be likely to be necessary to protect the defendant on his or her release from prison;

(k) the likelihood that the defendant will commit further offences,

and may have regard to any other factor or principle the court thinks relevant.

(4) In this section—serious and organised criminal activity includes any activity that may constitute a serious and organised crime offence within the meaning of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935.

Discount for early guilty plea - ss 39 and 40

The Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) provides for a reduction of sentence by up to 40% for early guilty pleas in the Magistrates Court [s 39] and up to 35% (25% for serious indictable matters) in other courts [s 40].

A early discount guilty plea scheme was previously provided for in ss 10B and 10C of the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 (SA), which was replaced by the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) on 30 April 2018.

On 2 November 2020, the scheme was further reformed with the commencement of the Statutes Amendment (Sentencing) Act 2020 (SA). The amending Act reduced the percentage previously available to a defendant under section 40 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) and expanded the general criteria that courts must consider when determining an early guilty plea sentence reduction.

Reduction of sentence for guilty pleas in the Magistrates Court - summary offences

Section 39 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) enables a person to receive a reduction in sentence for an early guilty plea in the Magistrates Court on summary offence matters (including minor indictable matters tried and sentenced as summary offences) or in other circumstances (as prescribed by regulations).

Subject to that section, if a defendant has pleaded guilty to an offence:

  • not more than 4 weeks after the defendant first appears in court in relation to the offence – the sentence may be reduced by up to 40% [see s 39(2)(a)];
  • after first appearance, but not more than 4 weeks before trial (if a date has been set, or otherwise before trial) - the sentence may be reduced by up to 30% [see s 39(2)(b)];
  • less than 4 weeks before the date set for trial where the defendant satisfies the sentencing court that they could not reasonably have pleaded guilty at an earlier stage in the proceedings because of circumstances outside of their control - the sentence may be reduced by up to 30% [see s 39(2)(c)]; and
  • in other circumstances where the court is satisfied that there is good reason to do so - the sentence may be reduced by up to 10% [see s 39(2)(d)].

In circumstances where none of the above reductions are available, the court may, where it is satisfied that the defendant did not plead guilty during the relevant period for any of the specific reasons listed in section 39(3)(b), reduce the sentence as if the defendant had in fact pleaded guilty [see section 39(3)].

Further, if the court is satisfied that the defendant was unable to obtain legal advice within the designated period [4 weeks after first court appearance, as outlined in s 39(2)(a)] due to:

  • residing in a remote location; or
  • leading an itinerant lifestyle; or
  • communication difficulties arising from being unable to speak reasonably fluent English; and

the defendant pleads guilty within 14 days after the designated period, then the court may reduce the sentence as if the guilty plea was entered within the designated period [see s 39(3a)].

Reduction of sentence for guilty pleas in other matters - Higher courts

Section 40 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) enables a reduction in sentence in other matters than those to which section 39 applies.

Subject to this section, if a defendant has pleaded guilty to an offence:

  • not more than 4 weeks after the defendant's first appearance in court in relation to the offence – the sentence may be reduced by up to 35% (up to 25% for serious indictable offences) [see 40(3)(a)];
  • more than 4 weeks after the defendant's first appearance, but on or before the committal appearance – the sentence may be reduced by up to 25% (up to 15% for serious indictable offences) [see s 40(3)(b)];
  • not more than 4 weeks after the committal appearance if, at the committal appearance, the defendant advises the court that bona fide negotiations are taking place with prosecution, and subsequently calls the matter on within 4 weeks to enter a guilty plea – the sentence may be reduced by up to 25% (up to 15% for serious indictable offences) [see Criminal Procedure Act 1921 (SA) s 110(3)];
  • between the day after the committal appearance, but before the defendant is committed for trial – the sentence may be reduced by up to 15% (up to 10% for serious indictable offences) [see Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) s 40(3)(c)];
  • after the defendant is committed for trial but on or before the first appearance in the superior court (for the arraignment) – the sentence may be reduced by up to 10% (up to 5% for serious indictable offences) [see s 40(3)(d)];
  • after the arraignment and before the first day of the trial – the sentence may be reduced by up to 5% [see s 40(3)(e)].

Further, in circumstances where none of the above reductions are available, the court may, where it is satisfied that the defendant did not plead guilty during the relevant period for any of the specific reasons listed in section 40(3), reduce the sentence as if the defendant had in fact pleaded guilty [see section 40(4)].

A serious indictable offence is defined in s 40(8) of the Sentencing Act 2017(SA) as:

  • a serious offence of violence* for which the maximum penalty prescribed is, or includes, imprisonment for at least 5 years;
  • a serious sexual offence* for which the maximum penalty prescribed is, or includes, imprisonment for at least 5 years; or
  • any other offence as prescribed by the regulations.

*A serious offence of violence, a serious sexual offence and serious harm are further defined in s 40(8).*

Determining the reduction of sentences for guilty pleas

If a defendant enters an early guilty plea in either the Magistrates Court (as per section 39) or in other matters not covered by section 39 (but covered by section 40), the court should consider the following in determining the percentage by which a sentence for an offence is to be reduced:

  • whether the reduction of the defendant's sentence by the percentage contemplated would be so disproportionate to the seriousness of the offence, or so inappropriate in the case of that particular defendant, that it would or may affect public confidence in the administration of justice [see ss 39(4)(a) and 40(5)(a)]
  • the stage in the proceedings for the offence at which the defendant first indicated their intention to plead guilty (including whether it would, in the opinion of the court, have been reasonable to expect the defendant to have done so at an earlier stage in the proceedings [see ss 39(4)(b) and 40(5)(b)]
  • whether the defendant was initially charged with a different offence in respect of the same conduct and whether (and at what stage of proceedings) negotiations occurred with the prosecution in relation to the offence charged [see ss 39(4)(c) and 40(5)(c)]
  • in the case where the defendant has been charged with more than 1 offence—whether the defendant pleaded guilty to all of the offences [see ss 39(4)(d) and 40(5)(d)]
  • if the defendant satisfied the court that they could not reasonably have been expected to plead guilty at an earlier stage because of circumstances outside of the defendant's control [see s 40(5)(e)]
  • whether or not the defendant was made aware of any relevant matter that would have enabled the defendant to plead guilty at an earlier stage in the proceedings, and may have regard to any other factor or principle the court thinks relevant [ss 39(4)e) and 40(5)(f)]
  • whether the defendant disputed the factual basis of the plea, a hearing occurred in relation to the dispute, and the dispute was not resolved in favour of the defendant [see ss 39(4)(f) and 40(5)(g)]
  • if the prosecution satisfies the court that the defendant intentionally concealed the commission of the offence, and if so, for how long the concealment lasted [see ss 39(4)(g) and 40(5)(h)]
  • whether the prosecution's case against the defendant is so overwhelming that a reduction in sentence by the contemplated percentage would be so inappropriate that it would, or may, affect public confidence in the administration of justice [see ss 39(4)(h) and 40(5)(i)]
  • whether any genuine remorse on behalf of the defendant is so lacking that a reduction in sentence by the contemplated percentage would be so inappropriate that it would, or may, affect public confidence in the administration of justice [see ss 39(4)(i) and 40(5)(j)].

Application of sentencing reductions

Please note section 36 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) which sets out the purpose and application of this Division of the Act. Section 36 provides:

  • Except where the contrary intention appears, this Division qualifies rather than displaces the common law principles in relation to sentencing; and
  • Except where the contrary intention expressly appears, this Division is in addition to, and does not derogate from, a provision of this Act or any other Act—
    • (a) that expressly prohibits the reduction, mitigation or substitution of penalties or sentences; or
    • (b) that limits or otherwise makes special provision in relation to the way a penalty or sentence for a particular offence under that Act may be imposed.

See also information and related documents about the 2018 Major Indictable Reform from the DPP website: Major Indictable Reform

Taking further offences into account

Part 2, Division 2, Subdivision 3 of the Sentencing Act 2017 (SA) creates an optional system for the court to take into account other offences when sentencing a defendant for a principal offence.

Where a defendant is charged with multiple offences, they have the option of being convicted of the principal offence, and having the further offences taken into account when sentencing (but having no conviction or separate penalty imposed for those offences).

The court must ask whether the defendant wants to have any further offences taken into account [s 33(1)]. If the defendant agrees, the prosecutor may file a document which specifics other offences with which the defendant has been charged but not convicted of [s 32(1)]. This list may be filed at any time after the court finds the defendant guilty of the principal offence [s 32(2)(a)] but before the defendant is sentenced for the principal offence [s 32(2)(b)].

The defendant is required to admit guilt to the further offence(s) for them to be taken into account [s 33(2)(a)(i)], but is not convicted of the further offence(s) [s 35(4)]. If the court takes the further offence(s) into account, the penalty imposed on the defendant cannot exceed the maximum penalty that applies for the principal offence [s 33(3)].

The court can make other orders once taking the further offence(s) into account, but cannot impose a separate penalty for the further offence(s) [s 34(1)].

Once a further offence is taken into account, no further proceedings can be taken or continued in respect of the further offence, unless the conviction for the principal offence is quashed or set aside [s 35(1)(b)]. The fact that the further offences have been taken into account will be certified by the court on the list of additional offences [s 35 (1)(a)].

General Sentencing Purposes, Principles and Factors  :  Last Revised: Mon Apr 23rd 2018