A sentence of 18 years' imprisonment with a 14-year non-parole period for the murder of a spouse by stabbing (15 wounds, victim asleep, no guilty plea, limited remorse) was manifestly inadequate notwithstanding the offender's deteriorated mental state (adjustment disorder, PTSD, doxylamine intoxication), prior good character, and absence of prior violence. The appropriate sentence was 21 years with a 16-year non-parole period. The Verdins principles, while applicable, warranted only 'some sensible moderation' of deterrence in these circumstances.
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