The exercise of the right to plead not guilty should not generally operate to exclude the Todd principles regarding delay between offence and sentencing. In domestic violence cases, a victim's forgiving attitude ought not influence the sentencing decision as a matter of public policy. Where an offender suffers from a serious psychiatric disorder and the evidence establishes solid grounds for rehabilitation and no risk to the community, the counterweights of personal deterrence and public protection do not come into play to balance the diminished relevance of general deterrence.
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