A sentencing judge is not bound by prosecution sentencing indications communicated to defence counsel and retains ultimate responsibility for determining the appropriate sentence. Where an overall sentence exceeds three years, the sentencing judge has no power to fix a parole release date under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld) and may only specify a parole eligibility date. Cumulative sentences require clear justification as an exception to the general rule of concurrency under s 155, but are appropriate where offences are unconnected, separated in time, different in character, and involve escalation.
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