R v Aston - [1989] 2 NZLR 166

Criminal law — Sentence — Manslaughter and arson — Crimes influenced by mental disorder — Accused, charged with murder and three counts of arson, was found guilty of manslaughter and arson — Accused suffered from mental illness but was not found by jury to be insane — Judge sentenced accused to effective term of six years imprisonment — Application by Solicitor-General for leave to appeal — Sentencing principles, including factors to be weighed, discussed — Whether and to what extent mental disorder of accused should be taken into account in sentencing — Whether sentence of six years imprisonment was inadequate.