A sentence of 5 years' imprisonment with a 2.5-year non-parole period for manslaughter by criminal negligence, where a firearm discharged accidentally without the trigger being pulled due to an unknown fault, is very lenient but not manifestly inadequate where powerful mitigating factors are present. The unique circumstances of this case necessarily limit its assistance in future sentencing exercises. Sentences for all forms of manslaughter have increased significantly in recent years, with the average currently between about 7 and 9 years' imprisonment.
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