A sentence of seven years' imprisonment for motor manslaughter in Tasmania is not manifestly excessive where the offending involves prolonged reckless driving while severely intoxicated by an incorrigible offender with an extensive record of drink driving and driving while disqualified. The desirability of consistency in sentencing cannot outweigh the public interest in community protection where Parliament has demonstrated concern about road safety through increased penalties for related offences. Statistical data on prior sentences cannot displace the court's evaluation of the gravity of the particular offence.
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