Where expert evidence unmistakably alludes to a Verdins proposition, the sentencing judge must treat it as enlivening that proposition even if defence counsel does not expressly invoke Verdins by name. An early guilty plea is, of itself, indicative of significant remorse, and it is not open to a sentencing judge to find that 'true and actual remorse' can only be demonstrated when an offender ceases drug use and offending. A combination sentence with residential treatment conditions may be appropriate where no prior sentencing disposition has addressed the root causes of offending and the offender's cycle of institutionalisation and addiction.
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