In sentencing for possession of heroin with intent to sell or supply involving serious quantities (here, 27.8 grams at 52% purity), personal circumstances including family tragedy and post-offence rehabilitation have limited mitigatory force. A non-custodial disposition is warranted only in exceptional circumstances, and the community interest in general deterrence cannot be displaced by rehabilitation considerations alone. The absence of direct dealings between the offender and police negates any entrapment argument where the offender was one step removed from the undercover operation.
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