The strength of the Crown case is not a relevant consideration in determining the utilitarian discount for a guilty plea; it is relevant only to the contrition element. An early plea at the first opportunity should attract a discount at the top of the 10-25% range for utilitarian value regardless of the strength of the prosecution case. When accumulating sentences, the sentencing judge must ensure the resulting overall non-parole period bears an appropriate relationship to the total term, particularly for first offenders.
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