A total effective sentence of 10 years' imprisonment with an 8-year non-parole period was upheld for a scout leader who committed 30 sexual offences against seven male victims over 12 years, where the offending involved systematic grooming and gross breach of trust. A non-parole period of 80 per cent of the head sentence is not manifestly excessive where both general and specific deterrence are significant sentencing considerations and the offender's insight into his offending is at an early stage. Delay between admission and sentencing does not warrant considerable weight where the sentencing judge was aware of the delay and subsequent adjournments were at the offender's request.
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