A young NSW man who murdered another man during a drug-induced psychosis will spend at least two decades behind bars.
Samual Albert Campbell stabbed Nicholas Robertson 15 times, killing him, in Cooma in February 2021.
The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to murdering 38-year-old Robertson and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after Robertson’s friend Zane Kouaider, 21, was also stabbed in the attack.
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Campbell was sentenced in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday to 24 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 18 years, for the charge of murder and seven years and two months, with a non-parole period of five years and four months for the second offence.
The sentences will be served partially concurrently.
“(Murder) is a violation of the sanctity of human life,” Justice Peter Garling said in sentencing Campbell.
“The murder here was a violent and brutal assault without reason.
“The offender’s conduct which led to Mr Robertson’s death was caused solely by the temporary effects of the ingestion of methylamphetamine by him.
“That was a matter of his choice. He is criminally responsible and morally culpable for his actions.”
Justice Garling said he was prepared to accept Campbell has reasonable prospects for rehabilitation, but there was no evidence of his remorse.
“There is no evidence or other material before me that suggests that the offender has accepted responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the injury and loss caused by his actions,” he said.
“(The victim impact statements) made clear that the death of Mr Robertson and the infliction of really serious physical injuries on Mr Kouaider have caused significant harm and distress.”
Justice Garling found Campbell had an intention to kill Robertson when he attacked the older man.
He also listed several aggravating factors, including Campbell’s previous convictions, the use of a weapon, the fact that the offences were committed while he was serving a community corrections order, and his awareness of his violent behaviour upon the consumption of methylamphetamine.
“(Campbell) did not have a physical need to consume methylamphetamine. He chose to purchase and use it. When he used it, ‘he loved it’.
“His drug use … came about because he freely chose to use it in the exercise of his moral compass.
“This sentence should make clear to the community at large that acts of violence, including murder, and lengthy terms of imprisonment are the consequence of the ingestion of methylamphetamine.”
In the days before the attack