A total effective sentence of 2 years and 5 months with a non-parole period of 8 months for intentionally causing serious injury in a planned group assault involving a weapon is not manifestly excessive and is in fact merciful. An offender who recruits co-offenders and is aware of a weapon's presence is not much mitigated by the fact that he did not personally wield the weapon. Comparative cases in sentencing for intentionally causing serious injury are of limited utility given the almost infinite variability of the offence.
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