The case confirms that in sentencing for child pornography offences involving distribution on the dark web, the infinite potential audience, degree of sophistication and encryption, and the offender's role as an active community participant are significant aggravating factors that can justify sentences substantially above those in comparable cases involving transmission to identified recipients. An offender's dishonesty with the sentencing court, including providing false instructions to experts and counsel, bears strongly against prospects of rehabilitation and supports a higher sentence. A sentencing judge is not required to specify the exact quantum of discount for a guilty plea when sentencing for Commonwealth offences.
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