In the ACT, general deterrence is the paramount consideration in sentencing for child pornography offences. Prior good character has limited mitigating weight in such cases because the need for general deterrence operates as a strong, and sometimes overwhelming, countervailing factor. R v Fowler [2007] ACTCA 4 does not stand for any different proposition. The 13-factor framework from Minehan v R [2010] NSWCCA 140 is adopted for assessing objective seriousness of child pornography offences in the ACT.
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