The intent at the time of entry is one of the key measures of the criminality of aggravated burglary. Sentences of six or seven years for aggravated burglary are reserved for cases where the offender intended to commit the gravest offences such as rape, armed robbery, or sexual penetration of a child. Where the intent was merely to threaten, a sentence in the upper range is not warranted even where the offender has a significant criminal history. An excessive head sentence will not be permitted to stand merely because the non-parole period is within range.
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