A sentence of 2 years' imprisonment for aggravated burglary of occupied residential premises, committed in company and with pre-meditation, by an offender with 54 prior dishonesty offences, was manifestly inadequate. The appropriate sentence was 4 years before discount, reduced to 3 years and 4 months with a 15% discount for a guilty plea that indicated little genuine remorse. The offending was characterised as low to mid range, not 'relatively low level'. While a deprived background reduces moral culpability even for repeat offenders, extensive criminal history, lack of remorse, and poor rehabilitation prospects require significant weight to be given to personal deterrence and community protection.
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