Where hardship to an offender's family falls short of 'exceptional circumstances' justifying departure from the general sentencing rule, the sentencing discretion nevertheless requires the exercise of mercy, which may operate to reduce the non-parole period even where the head sentence is appropriate. Separate consideration must be given to family hardship in fixing the non-parole period as distinct from the head sentence. The anguish an offender will suffer in prison due to inability to assist a severely disabled spouse and young children is a relevant consideration in the exercise of mercy.
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