The youth of an offender and rehabilitation prospects carry very much less weight in sentencing where the offender has behaved with extreme violence or acted as an adult, and the weight diminishes further the closer the offender approaches the age of maturity. However, youth, first time in custody, and favourable rehabilitation prospects may still constitute special circumstances warranting a reduction in non-parole periods even for very serious offences, as the distinction between favourable subjective features and special circumstances must be maintained.
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