Where co-offenders are sentenced for the same offence, the parity principle requires differentiation in sentence where one offender played an appreciably lesser role (here, aiding/encouraging rather than striking the victim) and has more favourable antecedents (youth, no prior adult record, no offending on bail). Failure to differentiate gives rise to an objectively justified sense of grievance warranting appellate intervention, even where the respondent concedes the point. On resentencing, suspension of the term of imprisonment may be appropriate where the offender did not personally inflict violence, is youthful, and has demonstrated rehabilitation.
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