When sentencing a young offender, the sentencing judge must separately address the impact of the offender's youth on moral culpability, distinct from any reduction for a deprived background. A mere reference to s 6 of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 (NSW) is insufficient to demonstrate that youth has been factored into the assessment of moral culpability. The sentencing judge must also expressly address how the offender's youth moderates the weight given to general deterrence. The gravity of an offence does not, by itself, demonstrate 'adult like' behaviour sufficient to diminish the weight of youth sentencing principles.
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