Non-consensual injection of heroin into a restrained victim, in the context of a planned break-in and assault, constitutes a most serious example of unlawful and dangerous act manslaughter warranting a severe penalty. The Verdins principles 5 and 6 (imprisonment weighing more heavily and risk of adverse effect on mental health) may have limited application where the offender's depression did not reduce moral culpability or impair functioning at the time of offending. Evidence from a treating doctor rather than a forensic psychologist relying on the offender's self-report may carry greater weight in support of a Verdins submission.
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