Suspended imprisonment is the second most severe sentence available and does not require exceptional circumstances to justify its use; it is to be preferred to immediate imprisonment when circumstances make it appropriate. However, for gratuitous acts of violence causing serious bodily harm in public places, immediate imprisonment may be the only appropriate sentence notwithstanding the availability of suspension. An identified error in the sentencing judge's reasoning will not lead to the appeal being allowed if the ultimate sentence does not involve a miscarriage of justice.
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