When a sentencing judge fixes a non-parole period that is unusual — whether by comparison with other cases, the facts of the case, or the course of the plea — reasons should ordinarily be given. Failure to give reasons does not inevitably bespeak error but invites appellate scrutiny. A non-parole period of less than half the head sentence in a case involving serious offending and absence of remorse, without explanation, may be found manifestly inadequate even on a Crown appeal subject to double jeopardy constraints. The eight propositions restated by Callaway JA from R v VZ provide a consolidated framework for fixing non-parole periods.
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