A sentence of 2 years 8 months' imprisonment for an unprovoked, sustained attack on a 68-year-old victim involving biting off part of the victim's ear and choking, committed by an offender with a lengthy criminal record, was manifestly inadequate notwithstanding a 25% guilty plea discount. The Court substituted a sentence of 4 years 10 months' imprisonment. The general sentencing range for grievous bodily harm without circumstances of aggravation (max 10 years) is 8 months to 5 years 4 months, with relatively serious examples attracting 3 to 5 years; the aggravated offence (max 14 years) warrants higher sentences reflecting the legislative purpose of protecting vulnerable older victims.
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