A total effective sentence of 9 years 2 months' imprisonment for 16 child sexual offences against two complainants (nieces aged 12 and 13), committed by a 23-28 year old offender of good character who was convicted after trial, does not breach the first limb of the totality principle. A sentencing judge's reference to 'persistent' offending in respect of 'both victims' will be read as referring to the totality of conduct rather than to each complainant separately, particularly where the judge immediately contrasts the offending against one complainant as 'not isolated'.
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