Principles of parity have no application when the level of culpability of an offender is such as to call for a life sentence. Section 61(1) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) is no more than a statutory incantation of the sentencing judge's existing duty and any combination of the stated indicia may ground a finding of extreme culpability. The weight to be given to youth and immaturity in sentencing remains a matter for the sentencing judge, and at age 23 an offender is at the outer limits of the 'youthful offender' category.
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