A gambling addiction caused by an underlying psychological condition such as anxiety or depression does not, without more, warrant significant leniency or reduced weight on general deterrence. The principles in R v Henry regarding drug addiction apply by analogy: unless there is evidence of impaired cognitive faculties or diminished appreciation of wrongfulness, the offender's psychological condition does not engage the mental disorder sentencing principles. A 20% discount for utilitarian value of a plea is excessive where the plea to the main charges was entered after committal and the offender forced the Crown to prepare for trial on additional charges, signing a Form 1 only on the trial date.
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