In cases of very serious repeated intra-familial sexual offending against children, advanced age (69 years) and delay of 28-34 years between offending and sentencing cannot justify a total effective sentence substantially below the customary sentencing range of 10-19 years (after trial) identified in VIM. General deterrence remains a very important sentencing consideration even for elderly offenders in historical child sexual abuse cases. The sentencing range for serious repeated sexual offending against children after trial in Western Australia is confirmed at approximately 10-19 years where the offences are representative of a course of conduct.
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