A sentencing judge is not bound to give weight to unsupported assertions by defence counsel about a domestic violence victim's attitude to the prosecution where no evidence, letter or victim impact statement is tendered. Even where there is evidence of forgiveness by a domestic violence victim, it should be treated with extreme caution. The proviso under s 568(4) of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) will apply where the appellant's criminal history and the need for general deterrence in domestic violence cases support the sentence imposed.
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