An offender's denial of offending during the period between police interview and the laying of charges does not eliminate or devalue the mitigating effect of the unfairness limb of delay. The sentencing benefit arising from being left in a state of uncertain suspense applies regardless of whether the offender confessed or denied the offending during that period. For very elderly offenders (82 years), a suspended sentence may be more appropriate than a sentence with a non-parole period, as the Adult Parole Board's activities are better directed at younger offenders.
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