R v Lui (Sentence Judgment) [2026] NSWSC 965

R v Lui (Sentence Judgment) [2026] NSWSC 965 concerns Pei Lui’s sentence for the manslaughter of Tao Cheng following a prolonged, fatal assault in a Sydney CBD stairwell. After a jury acquitted Lui of murder, the key issue was whether the Court could find beyond reasonable doubt that he alone inflicted the violence without contradicting that verdict. McNaughton J held it could: intoxication left open reasonable doubt about murderous intent. The attack was extremely serious, random and vicious, although Lui’s profound childhood disadvantage reduced his moral culpability. After a 25% discount for an early manslaughter plea offer, he received 10 years and 6 months, with a 7-year non-parole period.