A head sentence of seven years' imprisonment (before 25% discount, starting point of approximately nine years and four months) is within range for a juvenile offender who commits an unprovoked s 33(1)(b) attack involving sustained punching, kicking and stomping on the head of a prone victim, causing permanent traumatic brain injury, notwithstanding the offender's youth, absence of prior criminal history, good rehabilitation prospects, and dysfunctional background. For offences of serious violence by young offenders, general deterrence and punishment remain significant sentencing considerations even though less weight is generally given to general deterrence when sentencing juveniles.
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