A sentencing judge who finds that drug supply offences constitute trafficking to a substantial degree and proceeds on the basis that a custodial sentence is mandatory absent exceptional circumstances commits reviewable error following the abolition of the Clark principle by Parente v R. Sentencing courts must assess the objective circumstances of each individual offence separately and must not impose identical sentences for offences of different objective gravity. Where a current parole order prevents consideration of a suspended sentence, adjournment of the sentencing proceedings should be considered.
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