Sampson v R [2026] NSWCCA 117

Sampson v R [2026] NSWCCA 117 concerned an appeal against an aggregate seven-year sentence for seven sexual offences against four children. Mr Sampson argued that the sentencing judge failed to consider or adequately explain how findings that his youth and childhood background reduced his moral culpability affected general deterrence and the sentence. The Court rejected an inflexible reading of Taylor v R, holding that the explanation required depends on the significance of reduced culpability in the particular case. Youth reduced culpability only slightly for one count, while background did so only to a limited degree. Time was extended and leave granted, but the appeal was dismissed.