A sentence of 27 months imprisonment with release at mid-point for a single count of online grooming under s 474.27(1) Criminal Code (Cth) involving real-time transmission of masturbation images, with concurrent 8-month sentences for four counts under s 218A(1)(b) Criminal Code (Qld), was upheld as not manifestly excessive where the maximum penalty was 12 years. The absence of a real victim, breach of trust, or physical proximity does not render such sentences excessive given the need for deterrence. A sentencing judge's error in finding aggravating material on the offender's computer did not vitiate the sentence where the error was made in the context of discussing mitigating circumstances.
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