The use of a handgun in the commission of malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm is the most serious aggravating feature and, combined with life-threatening injuries, may place the offence in the worst category warranting consideration of the maximum sentence. A sentencing judge who takes the circumstances of the offence into account in fixing the head sentence commits error by repeating that exercise when fixing the non-parole period. A non-parole period of approximately 60 per cent of the head sentence is adequate where special circumstances exist (such as a first time in custody).
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