R v McKinnon [2026] NSWDC 295

R v McKinnon [2026] NSWDC 295 is a sentencing decision concerning a month-long series of thefts, threats, assaults and robbery in the lower Clarence Valley, several involving knives. The key issue was how to balance the objective seriousness of the offending and community protection against McKinnon’s profound childhood disadvantage, homelessness, addiction, likely mental illness, remorse and early guilty pleas. Applying Bugmy principles, the Court reduced his moral culpability but found his rehabilitation prospects guarded and full-time custody necessary. An aggregate sentence of seven years was imposed, commencing 9 August 2025, with a three-year-and-six-month non-parole period after special circumstances were found.