A sentence not involving immediate custody for possession of child pornography is not precluded even where the gravity of the material is at the higher end of the scale and the volume is high, provided the offender's moral culpability is low, there is no distribution or profit motive, the offender has genuine remorse and positive rehabilitation prospects, and expert evidence supports a non-custodial disposition. However, such an outcome is at the very boundary of the permissible range. General deterrence remains the paramount sentencing consideration for child pornography offences, and limited weight is given to prior good character.
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