The imprisonment of both parents does not of itself constitute exceptional circumstances for sentencing or bail purposes. The deprivation of care and company suffered by family members is the inevitable consequence of imprisonment, and something quite exceptional above and beyond that inevitable consequence is required. The main determinant of sentence for obtaining financial advantage by deception is the offence itself rather than the monetary value, though monetary value remains relevant. Sentencing statistics and comparative tables are useful but must be assessed in light of the individual circumstances of the offending.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 1 later case that cites this judgment.