Where offenders are closely connected and their criminality is interrelated in time and space — even if not strictly co-offenders — justice in the sentencing process requires a substantial relationship between the sentences imposed on each. The requirement under R v MJR to have regard to sentencing patterns at the time of offending means that sentences imposed on a connected offender at a time more proximate to the commission of the offences are directly relevant, not merely as evidence of the sentencing pattern. A late plea of guilty retains utilitarian value warranting at least a 10 per cent discount where it averts a long trial and spares complainants from giving evidence.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 21 later cases that cite this judgment.
4 of the 21 citing cases carry a classified treatment. How each court treated it is available to signed-in members.