ADHD and the wearing off of medication at the time of offending is a relevant mitigating factor in sentencing but does not materially ameliorate culpability where the offender's decision to place himself in a situation of potential violence was not reasonably attributable to the condition. Where reliance on a mental health condition as mitigation raises questions about risk of re-offending, this may have adverse consequences for the offender in the sentencing process. The use of a knife remains a serious aggravating factor warranting emphasis on general deterrence, particularly given the prevalence of knife violence among young people.
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