An aggregate sentence of 4 years' imprisonment for four heroin offences involving street-level dealing (possession with intent to sell or supply and selling, with quantities around 1 gram at 25-41% purity) is within the appropriate range, particularly where the offender reoffended while on bail. A non-custodial disposition for heroin dealing offences is only warranted in very exceptional circumstances. It is desirable but not required for sentencing judges to quantify the discount given for an early plea of guilty.
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