The parity principle requires comparison of all components of co-offenders' sentences, including minimum terms and additional terms, not merely head sentences. Where a less culpable offender with more favourable subjective circumstances receives a nearly equivalent minimum term to a more culpable co-offender, the sentence will be disturbed on appeal. Special circumstances under s 5(2) of the Sentencing Act 1989 may be found where the offender is young, has no prior record, is serving a first custodial sentence, and requires a longer period of rehabilitation.
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