Mental impairment (borderline intellectual function and dementia) significantly reduces culpability for serious child sexual offences but does not justify a sentence that fails to reflect the seriousness of the offending. Where the offender knew the conduct was wrong and was able to abstain, a 50% discount from the starting point may be appropriate, but a sentence of only 2 years for an 18-month sexual relationship with an 11-12 year old child involving repeated penetration is manifestly inadequate even accounting for substantial mental impairment. The appropriate starting point for such an offence was 10 years' imprisonment.
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