A sentence requiring nine months' actual custody before suspension for grievous bodily harm may be manifestly excessive where the offender has no prior criminal history, the offences were spontaneous rather than calculated, no weapon was used, the offences arose from highly unusual family circumstances, and the offender pleaded guilty and demonstrated remorse with strong rehabilitation prospects. However, the Court emphasised this case occupies a special category and does not signal departure from the hard line on serious violent crime.
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