The parity principle does not apply merely because two offenders are charged with the same offence in respect of the same item (here, a firearm). Where one offender is the long-term owner and possessor and the other merely secreted the item briefly out of loyalty, there is no common criminal enterprise and the parity principle is inapplicable. Even if parity applied, differences in the nature of the offences and personal circumstances can justify substantial disparity in sentences.
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