A sentence of 14 years' imprisonment (on a maximum of 20 years) for aggravated people smuggling under s 233B(1)(c) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) is within the sound sentencing range where the offender played an essential organisational role, was motivated by financial gain, used grossly unfit vessels, and continued offending after a known disaster causing extensive loss of life. Comparable cases involving crew members, pawns, or small-scale operators are of limited comparative value for organisational-level offenders.
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