A sentencing judge who finds an offender is of good character must go further and articulate the weight given to that finding in determining sentence; merely referring to s 21A of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) and stating that factors have been taken into account is insufficient to satisfy the second step in Ryan v The Queen. In child sexual assault cases, the weight to be given to good character is diminished where general deterrence is important, the offence is frequently committed by persons of good character, and the offender's good character assisted in placing them in a position to commit the offence.
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