For offences of possession with intent to sell or supply under s 6(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA), a suspended sentence will ordinarily be manifestly inadequate. Mitigating factors such as youth, no prior convictions, and employment are reflected in the length of sentence but do not justify suspension absent exceptional circumstances. A respondent's role as both courier and dealer, with significant quantities of drugs, is not materially distinguishable from cases where immediate imprisonment has been imposed.
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