Where an offender's admissions were essential to establishing a trafficking charge that could not otherwise have been brought, the sentencing judge must give weight to those admissions in accordance with AB v The Queen, and failure to do so constitutes sentencing error. Sentencing for trafficking in synthetic cannabis by tobacconists who acquired stock lawfully before legislative amendment should not be approached by reference to comparators involving persons who obtained illegal drugs with the plan of selling them surreptitiously. The manner in which the drugs were acquired (lawfully before amendment vs illegally) is a significant sentencing consideration.
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