A sentencing judge who imposes a non-custodial sentence (including a suspended sentence) for a standard non-parole period offence must comply with s 54C by giving specific reasons explaining why a sentence without a non-parole period is being imposed despite the standard non-parole period provisions, not merely giving general reasons for sentence. The standard non-parole period remains a guidepost even where the offender pleads guilty. A discount of 20 per cent for a plea of guilty entered on arraignment in the District Court, 18 months after arrest, where the offender could have indicated willingness to plead to the alternative count at any time, is excessive.
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