A total effective sentence of 8 years 6 months' imprisonment for eight sexual offences against a child under 13 committed over five years does not infringe either limb of the totality principle. An offender aged 68 at sentencing is not at a 'very advanced age' and, absent evidence of significant illness or reduced life expectancy, the second limb of the totality principle is not engaged. Comparison of total effective sentences across cases involving different groupings of offences is of limited utility when only a breach of the totality principle is alleged.
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