R v Marshall [2026] NSWSC 1165

R v Marshall [2026] NSWSC 1165. McGuire J sentenced Robert Marshall for manslaughter by excessive self-defence after he deliberately stabbed Adam Cordingley three times with a hunting knife. Cordingley, who was unarmed, had confronted Marshall about an affair and initiated the physical assault. The key issue was the proper basis and seriousness of the offending, including whether Marshall intended to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. The Court found that intent unproved and sentenced him for an unlawful and dangerous act, towards but not at the lower end of objective seriousness. Mental health, remorse, good character and rehabilitation prospects mitigated sentence. Marshall received six years’ imprisonment, with a three-year-and-eight-month non-parole period.