A sentence of four years imprisonment for grievous bodily harm arising from forced administration of ecstasy tablets (causing neuroleptic malignant syndrome) was manifestly excessive where there was no malice, no weapon, no sustained attack, the complainant had manifested a desire for similar substances, the offender had an irrelevant criminal history, and had demonstrated proven rehabilitation over two and a half years. Three years imprisonment suspended after nine months was the appropriate sentence. The period of actual custody must adequately reflect proven rehabilitation occurring between offence and sentencing.
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