For offences of causing death by dangerous driving involving excessive speed but without alcohol, drugs, police pursuit, or other aggravating features, and where the offender is young, of good character, with no prior driving offences and good prospects of rehabilitation, a starting point of four years' imprisonment (before discount for plea) is appropriate. The sentencing judge must give adequate weight to the offender's personal circumstances, including rehabilitation prospects, when determining the starting point, not merely when applying discounts. Comparative sentencing data from the District Court is of particular importance in dangerous driving cases.
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