A custodial sentence is not necessarily required for all offenders convicted of riot, even where the offending involves premeditated violence, weapons, and racist abuse. Youth, lack of prior convictions, early guilty pleas, and the influence of a parent's poor leadership may render a custodial sentence manifestly excessive for younger co-offenders, warranting community service instead. Parity between co-offenders must be maintained, including consistency in operational periods for suspended sentences.
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