Skinner v R [2026] NSWCCA 131

Skinner v R [2026] NSWCCA 131 concerned an appeal against sentence for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after Skinner struck the victim once with a machete, causing a serious hand injury. The central issue was whether the sentence was manifestly excessive despite no challenge to the sentencing judge’s findings. The Court held that the original sentence failed to reflect cumulatively the offence’s assessed seriousness, Skinner’s reduced moral culpability, guilty plea, and the particularly onerous effect of custody arising from his disabilities and health conditions. Leave was granted, the appeal allowed, and Skinner resentenced to five years, eight months and 11 days, with a three-year, six-month non-parole period.