A fresh diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder obtained after sentencing, while confirming a finding of reduced moral culpability, does not necessarily warrant alteration of sentence where the offending was serious, sustained and purposeful, and the original sentence was already lenient. ASD is not causative of criminal conduct where the offender retained the ability to plan and execute offending. Expert reports on sentencing should not argue the application of Verdins principles — that is a matter for the sentencing judge.
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