A sentencing judge's finding that Verdins principles 5 and 6 are not enlivened is a finding of fact attracting appellate intervention only if not reasonably open on the evidence. A diagnosis of chronic mild clinical depression (dysthymic disorder) does not necessarily enliven the sixth Verdins principle where the offender has demonstrated capacity to cope with stressful situations despite the condition. Sentencing statistics for s 71A offences are of limited utility but sentences after guilty plea have commonly ranged from one to three years' imprisonment.
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