An effective head sentence of four years imprisonment for 17 counts of attempt to procure rape committed over a protracted period in a domestic violence context, involving contacting multiple strangers via messaging apps to procure non-consensual sexual acts against a partner, was not manifestly excessive. Where no comparable sentencing yardsticks exist, the sentencing judge must exercise the discretion by balancing aggravating and mitigating features having regard to relevant sentencing principles. A failure to declare a short period of pre-sentence custody will not warrant leave to appeal where it would enliven a re-exercise of the sentencing discretion that could result in a harsher sentence.
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