Immediate imprisonment remains the only appropriate sentencing option for commercial drug dealing under s 6(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA). Youth, good character, early guilty plea, cooperation, family support, rehabilitation steps, and low reoffending risk do not ordinarily avert immediate imprisonment. The number of suspended terms upheld or imposed on appeal for s 6(1) offences since 2010 increased from four to six, but both additional cases involved very small quantities. Rehabilitation does not displace general deterrence as the primary sentencing consideration at the residual discretion stage.
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