The utilitarian benefit of a plea of guilty is not to be given greater emphasis in terrorism cases as a general proposition; the weight to be given falls to be assessed according to the particular circumstances of each case. In terrorism conspiracy cases, general deterrence and community protection are to be given pre-eminence, and mitigating factors of a personal nature, including youth, are given substantially less weight. A sentence of 24 years (non-parole 20 years) for a well-advanced conspiracy to commit mass murder using explosive vests, machetes and firearms was held not manifestly excessive, and was described by the Court as 'quite moderate'.
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