Where an offender suffering from serious mental illness (paranoid schizophrenia) pleads guilty to defensive homicide, the Verdins principles require moderation of general and specific deterrence, denunciation and just punishment. A total effective sentence of 20 years for two defensive homicides and one recklessly causing serious injury was manifestly excessive in those circumstances; 17 years and six months was substituted. The probable availability of a defence of mental impairment is a relevant factor in assessing the utilitarian value of a guilty plea and in demonstrating remorse.
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