Where an offender commits criminal conduct during a psychotic episode, general deterrence should not be eliminated but should operate sensibly moderated; specific deterrence may also remain a proper ingredient of the sentence. Only where a prisoner is so psychiatrically disturbed or diseased that general deterrence simply should not feature should it be excluded from the sentencing discretion. On applications for leave to appeal against sentence under s 582, the single judge's role is limited to assessing whether grounds are reasonably arguable; the judge must not pre-empt the appeal by assessing the likely outcome.
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