New ‘one punch’ law

There is now a mandatory minimum sentence of 8 years in jail for a ‘one punch’ assault in NSW. The maximum sentence for this offence is 25 years.

To receive a mandatory sentence the accused must have been found to have a blood alcohol reading of 0.15. If the accused cannot be blood tested at the time of the offence, or shortly after the offence, then other evidence can be relied on to prove the accused was under the influence of alcohol.

The 8 years mandatory sentence for a ‘one punch’ offence also applies to an accused under the influence of drugs, including steroids and psychoactive drugs.