The parity principle applies to co-offenders in the same criminal enterprise even where they are charged with different offences. A difference of only 1 year 6 months (head sentence) and 1 year (non-parole period) between a syndicate leader and a subordinate participant constitutes a marked and unjustified disparity warranting appellate intervention. A sentencing judge's characterisation of an offender's role in a drug syndicate will be upheld where supported by evidence of the offender's responsibilities beyond mere delivery, including supply of drugs to the principal, collection of large sums of money, and possession of proceeds of crime and indicia of supply.
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