A sentence of 14 years' imprisonment for intentionally causing serious injury by setting the victim alight was manifestly excessive where the offender was 22 years old, the offending was not premeditated, the offender showed genuine remorse, had no prior violence convictions, and the victim's injuries, while horrific, did not result in lifelong major physical or mental disabilities comparable to the most serious cases. The appropriate sentence was 10 years and 6 months. Even in worst category offending, the mitigatory consideration of youth is only extinguished in the gravest criminal offending where there is no realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
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