A sentencing court must have regard to the utilitarian value of a plea of guilty as a distinct component of the discount, even where the plea is late. Where a sentencing judge fails to do so, the appellate court must independently re-exercise the sentencing discretion. For terrorism document offences under s 101.5(1), a contribution of limited words lacking sophistication or discernible independent meaning, over a single day, with limited dissemination, may properly be assessed as mid-range rather than upper-range seriousness. Onerous custodial conditions in high-risk management units may be taken into account on sentence, but prison disciplinary records are generally of very little assistance in assessing rehabilitation prospects.
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