To engage the sixth Verdins principle (serious risk of imprisonment having significant adverse effect on mental health), the offender must demonstrate on the balance of probabilities both the degree and severity of potential symptoms and the likelihood of relapse, not merely assert a general risk. Psychological reports that fail to quantify the degree of risk or severity of symptoms will be insufficient. A sentencing judge is not required to obtain a CCO assessment report before concluding that the seriousness of the offending warrants imprisonment; the judge may form that view based on the circumstances of the offending alone.
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