The s 227(2) discretion to reduce the period of detention from 70% to 50% on the basis of 'special circumstances' is wide and turns on the unique combination of circumstances in each case. A guilty plea entered at the beginning of trial (rather than early), surrender to police only after CCTV was publicly released, lack of criminal history typical for a 15-year-old, and unqualified claims of remorse and rehabilitation do not necessarily constitute special circumstances requiring the exercise of the discretion.
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