The parity concept in sentencing co-offenders requires that any significant disparity in sentences be capable of rational explanation; it is always to be borne in mind and it is inappropriate to say the concept does not 'apply'. Drug addiction is not a significant mitigating factor where the offender is not shown to be dealing solely to support the addiction. The priority normally given to rehabilitation of young offenders may yield to the significance of the offence in serious drug trafficking cases.
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