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Qld A-G seeks to overturn ‘inadequate’ sentences
Appeals have been filed in two high-profile Queensland crimes after the Attorney-General found the sentences “manifestly inadequate”.
Naomi Neilson
The Office of the Director of the Public Prosecutions was directed to file notices of appeal against two sentences that Attorney-General Deb Frecklington claimed “failed to meet community expectations”.
The boy pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle causing three deaths and grievous bodily harm while excessively speeding, three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one count of receiving tainted property, one count of stealing, and one of unlicensed driving.
He was sentenced to six years in a youth detention centre but will be released after he serves 60 per cent of the term of imprisonment.
The second case concerned 44-year-old Brock Andrew McDonald, who attacked an 18-year-old woman just before 3am as she walked home.
McDonald wrapped a rope around her neck, pushed her face down into his car, and told her not to look at him.
The victim managed to escape and call for help.
Judge David Kent said the attack was a “terrifying abduction”.
McDonald was sentenced to just two and a half years in jail but was released on parole, with 413 days in custody already served.
According to media reports, convictions were not recorded.
“I consider both sentences handed down to be manifestly inadequate,” Frecklington said in a statement earlier this week.
“Notices of appeal were lodged with the Court of Appeal registry today on my behalf by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“As the appeal process is now underway, no further comment will be made on these matters.”
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
