The case confirms that where an armed robbery is committed with planning and in company by an offender on parole with an extensive criminal history, the seriousness of the offence and the need for community protection may outweigh the mitigating effect of mental illness, substance abuse, and a deprived background, even where the offender is Aboriginal and severely institutionalised. Deferral of sentence under s 11 for rehabilitation is not appropriate where expert evidence describes rehabilitation prospects as a 'severe challenge' and a 'rehabilitative quandary', and where the offender's behavioural difficulties make short-term program completion unlikely.
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