The parity principle does not require equal sentences where co-conspirators had materially different roles in the conspiracy, and the difference in sentences fairly reflects those different roles. Ill-health is a mitigating factor only where imprisonment would be a greater burden by reason of health or where there is a serious risk of gravely adverse effect, and the onus is on the offender to establish the extent of ill-health on the balance of probabilities. In sentencing for conspiracy, the court may have regard to the advanced stage of preparation and the distance to which the conspirators had travelled towards their goal.
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