The concept of a 'crushing' sentence — one that destroys any reasonable expectation of useful life after release — does not constitute a separate sentencing error; it is merely one factor in determining whether a sentence is manifestly excessive. An elderly offender's age, ill-health, and prospect of dying in custody are relevant mitigating factors but cannot justify an unacceptably inappropriate sentence, and general deterrence cannot be materially moderated simply because the offender is elderly and in poor health where the offending is premeditated murder for material gain.
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