On an Attorney-General's appeal under s 669A(1) of the Criminal Code (Qld), the Court of Appeal will not ordinarily vary a sentence unless the sentencing judge has erred in principle, either because an error is discernible or demonstrated by manifest inadequacy or inconsistency. The 'unfettered discretion' does not displace established principles of appellate review of discretionary decisions. Deterrence in offences involving brutal violence does not require actual incarceration in all cases, particularly for young first offenders with excellent rehabilitation prospects.
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