Where a solicitor's offending is directly contributed to by diagnosed psychiatric illness brought on by external events, the Tsiaras/Verdins principles require substantial moderation of the sentence, including reduction of the period of actual imprisonment before suspension, even where the offending involves a serious breach of trust and general deterrence would otherwise be a significant sentencing consideration. A head sentence of four-and-a-half years with suspension after approximately 9-10 months was appropriate for fraud involving $207,000 over three years by a mentally ill solicitor with no prior convictions.
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