A sentencing judge is not bound to accept unsworn assertions of mitigating facts made by an offender to a psychologist, particularly where the judge has raised concerns and invited the defence to call evidence. Drug dependence, depression and emotional stress do not reduce moral culpability for trafficking unless established as explanatory of the offending. Delay between charge and sentence attributable to ordinary processes of negotiation does not constitute a mitigating factor absent relevant unfairness or demonstrated rehabilitation.
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