For commercial hydroponic cannabis cultivation involving approximately 109 plants (47 mature, 62 seedlings), a starting point of 5-6 years is appropriate rather than 8 years, though the Court signalled that sentences for such offences should be firmed up. A plea of guilty entered at the preliminary hearing stage (rather than fast-track) cannot attract the usual 25-35% discount but warrants a significant reduction. Mere assertions of remorse by referees without concrete evidence of contrition do little to assist and are effectively subsumed by the guilty plea discount.
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