The appellant appealed a ten-year sentence imposed following his guilty plea to robbery, wearing a disguise, and aggravated assault (times two) arising from the robbery of a jewellery store.
The appellant and a co-accused, disguised with masks, entered the store and attacked the proprietors with a hammer, inflicting 32 hammer strikes and causing serious permanent injuries.
The appellant had an extensive criminal record of 44 offences, including violence and weapons offences, and was bound by two active probation orders at the time of the robbery.
The co-accused received a three-year sentence.
The appellant argued the sentence was disproportionate and failed to account for his surrender and guilty plea.
The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, finding the sentence justified given the gravity of the crime, the appellant's criminal history, and the lasting impact on the vulnerable victims.