For a brutal, unprovoked manslaughter involving a sustained attack with a weapon on a defenceless victim, where the offender showed no remorse and was convicted after trial but had a comparatively minor criminal history, the appropriate sentencing range is 12 to 14 years' imprisonment. A sentence of 15 years was manifestly excessive by comparison with comparable cases including Corry (17.5 years for a knife/cleaver home invasion killing after trial) and Bates (18 years reduced from life for a vicious beating with a guilty plea).
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