The parity principle does not require mathematical precision in distinguishing between co-offenders; where a sentencing judge takes a broad view of relative criminality and finds it difficult to draw meaningful distinctions, imposing the same effective sentence is open. Thefts of motor vehicles are not inherently less serious than other thefts — gravity depends on value, victim, and circumstances. Caution is required when using individual sentences from multi-charge indictments as comparators, as they may be artificially compressed by totality.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 20 later cases that cite this judgment.
9 of the 20 citing cases carry a classified treatment. How each court treated it is available to signed-in members.