The parity principle is engaged on appeal only when there is, objectively, a justifiable sense of grievance because of the disparity in sentence. Where a sentencing judge has noted the differences between co-offenders and fixed sentences accordingly, and the differences in sentences rationally reflect differences in culpability and subjective circumstances, no justifiable sense of grievance arises. Best practice dictates that the same sentencing judge should, where possible, sentence co-offenders.
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