Where an adult offender sexually exploits children who are financially vulnerable, the alleged willingness of the child victims to engage in sexual contact for money does not constitute a mitigating factor; rather, the exploitation of financial vulnerability may be treated as aggravating. In sentencing for sexual offences against children by a neighbour (as distinct from a parent or person in a position of trust), the totality principle requires careful calibration of cumulation orders to avoid a crushing sentence, particularly where the offender is elderly, has pleaded guilty at an early stage, and the admissions constitute the only evidence of the most serious charges.
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