The case confirms that for offences of indecent dealing with a child under s 321(4) of the Criminal Code (WA), persistent offending involving abuse of a position of authority over a vulnerable child can justify immediate imprisonment notwithstanding significant mitigating factors including a guilty plea, remorse, prior good character and emotional immaturity. A total effective sentence of 18 months' imprisonment for eight counts of indecent dealing (including fondling of vaginal area and breasts) committed by a 23-24 year old manager against a 15-year-old employee on five occasions was within the range of comparable sentences.
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