Where an offence substantially exceeds mid-range seriousness, the standard non-parole period has diminished significance as a guidepost and the maximum penalty becomes the principal reference point for determining the appropriate sentence. No numerical discount should be given for remorse, whether alone or combined with a plea of guilty; the appropriate discount for a plea entered on the trial date is no more than 10%. A finding of special circumstances should not be used simply to ameliorate the sentence, and with lengthy sentences the statutory ratio will ordinarily provide sufficient parole supervision time.
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