Delay between offence and sentence is a 'powerful mitigating factor' that encompasses both rehabilitation during the delay period and the anxiety/stress of proceedings hanging over the offender's head. However, where the evidence of stress is scant and the sentence imposed is moderate relative to the seriousness of the offence, a failure to expressly address the stress aspect of delay may not warrant appellate intervention. Where no objection is taken to the contents of a victim impact statement at the plea hearing, the sentencing judge is entitled to act on its contents, including material that might otherwise be inadmissible as hearsay or opinion.
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