A sentence of seven years imprisonment with parole eligibility after two and a half years is within range for a very serious case of dangerous driving causing two deaths under s 328A(4) of the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld), involving prolonged high-speed driving through a residential area while significantly intoxicated, even for a youthful offender with good character and genuine remorse. Where the offence is very serious and the need for general deterrence is high, youth and rehabilitation prospects are subordinated to deterrence. A sentencing judge's misapprehension as to the maximum penalty in comparable authorities does not necessarily cause the sentencing discretion to miscarry, given that sentencing is an exercise of intuitive synthesis.
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