A sentencing judge who expressly refers to s 9AA of the Sentencing Act 1995 (WA) when applying a discount for a guilty plea need not separately state that the reduction is from the 'head sentence' as defined in s 9AA(1). For possession of approximately 2 kg of high-purity methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply, a sentence of 11 years 4 months' imprisonment (with a 10% discount for a late guilty plea) falls within the customary range. A disparity of 3 years 2 months between a subordinate co-offender who pleaded guilty and the principal co-offender convicted after trial does not infringe the parity principle.
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