The parity principle applies where co-offenders in the same criminal enterprise are charged with different offences, but significant practical difficulties arise in comparing sentences in such cases. Differences in the objective seriousness of offences charged, the roles played, the applicable maximum penalties, and the subjective circumstances of the offenders (particularly being on conditional liberty and persisting in offending after escape from custody) may justify substantial differences in sentences without giving rise to a marked disparity.
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