A sentence of 8 years' imprisonment (6-year non-parole) for digital rape by a serious sexual offender with ASD, schizophrenia and borderline IQ was upheld where the offender had an escalating pattern of similar sexual offending, notwithstanding moderation of general and specific deterrence for mental impairment. Community protection may properly be given prominence over deterrence where mental impairment moderates deterrence but does not eliminate the offender's capacity to understand the wrongfulness of conduct.
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