A characterisation of an offence as falling within the worst category justifies adopting the maximum penalty as a starting point but does not justify refusing a discount for a guilty plea, unless the offence is one where the protection of the public requires a long sentence or which so offends the public that the maximum sentence without any discount is appropriate (such as where a life sentence is imposed). The purpose for which a vehicle is stolen is relevant to the seriousness of the stealing offence and does not constitute double punishment when the associated robbery is separately sentenced.
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