The lack of a clear motive for an offence does not reduce the significance of general deterrence as a sentencing factor, since the primary rationale of general deterrence is to deter others from engaging in like offending conduct regardless of the offender's motive. However, a sentencing judge's exercise of mercy, where reasonably excited by the circumstances, will not be disturbed on a Director's appeal unless the resulting sentence is manifestly inadequate. The prosecution practice of not nominating a sentencing range may not be helpful in all cases.
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