A juvenile offender aged 16 who violently rapes an elderly family member should expect a sentence in the order of four years' detention, notwithstanding youth, absence of prior criminal history, and a plea of guilty. The principles of punishment, deterrence and protection of the community apply with equal force in indigenous communities. A plea of guilty may constitute a 'special circumstance' under s 188 of the Juvenile Justice Act 1992 (Qld) warranting reduction of the period to be served from 70 per cent to 50 per cent.
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