The sentencing range of 'at least five years imprisonment, and perhaps six years' stated in R v L [2002] QCA 268 for maintaining a sexual relationship with a child is an indicative minimum head sentence, not a ceiling. Sentences imposed under the previous 14-year maximum penalty regime are of limited assistance in determining the appropriate range where the applicable maximum is life imprisonment due to a circumstance of aggravation. A sentence of eight years imprisonment for maintaining a sexual relationship over two years involving two acts of incest, breach of trust, and threats is at the upper end but within the permissible range.
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