Appeal against sentence allowed
Criminal — Sentence — Whether sentence of six years and nine months manifestly inadequate.
Held: yes.  The starting point reached by the judge of 10 years’ imprisonment was inadequate.  The offending involved a frenzied attack on an already vulnerable partner, the infliction of serious and lasting injuries, and the use of an improvised weapon.  Family home a place where occupant is entitled to feel, and be safe.  Violence inflicted in that context almost inevitably an aggravating consideration.  On a proper assessment of the offending a starting point of 11 years and 6 months (which includes a 2 and a half year uplift for two other offences).  Additionally, a full 25 per cent discount for guilty plea was not justified: the plea was made near the trial date.  Only a 15 per cent reduction should be made.  An end sentence of nine years and six months on the lead charge is appropriate.