R v Dowling - [1985] 1 NZLR 182

Criminal law — Sentence — Manslaughter — Accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to three years imprisonment: his victim had died after the accused had punched and kicked him — Accused was mentally subnormal and an alcoholic — Whether a sentence of probation with condition that he became a voluntary patient in an institution where his alcoholism could be treated should be substituted in place of a term of imprisonment — Whether personal characteristics of accused justified a lesser term of imprisonment.