The case confirms that a total effective sentence of ten years with a five-year non-parole period for three sexual assault offences committed by a 16-year-old juvenile offender in detention was within the sentencing discretion. Where counsel concedes at sentencing that there is no causal connection between mental illness and the offending, the appellate court will not lightly entertain arguments seeking to resile from that concession, particularly where the offender did not give evidence. Partial accumulation of sentences for sexual offences committed on separate occasions is appropriate and may be required to acknowledge the harm done to the victim.
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