A sentencing judge cannot treat a sentence imposed in another case as constraining or 'tying' the judge's hands in a different case. Sentences imposed in other cases do not mark the boundaries of the proper exercise of the sentencing discretion. For grievous bodily harm with intent under s 294(1) of the Criminal Code (WA), where the injury is life-threatening, the attack is deliberate and ferocious, and there are no mitigating factors, a sentence in the range of 7 to 8 years' imprisonment is appropriate.
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