Early admissions to police and an offer to plead guilty to the count on which the offender is ultimately convicted operate in mitigation of sentence even where no formal plea of guilty is entered, as they reflect acceptance of responsibility, willingness to facilitate the course of justice, and remorse. Since 1990, the legislature has regarded offences under s 32(a) of the Bush Fires Act 1954 (WA) as equally serious to arson under s 444 of the Criminal Code (WA), both carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment, and the same sentencing considerations — particularly the paramount importance of general deterrence — apply to both offences.
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