A total effective sentence of two and a half years' imprisonment for 16 charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception (total borrowings of approximately $4.3 million) committed by a bank employee was manifestly excessive where there was no actual loss, the offender had exemplary character, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, made full and frank admissions including disclosure of offences unknown to police, and had strong prospects of rehabilitation. A Community Corrections Order was the appropriate disposition. The need for general deterrence in breach of trust cases does not necessarily require a sentence of imprisonment where powerful mitigating factors are present.
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