For trafficking in a commercial quantity of controlled drugs under s 603(3) of the Criminal Code 2002 (ACT), where the offender played an important but dispensable role in an organised operation and the quantities were not significantly above the commercial threshold, starting points of 3.5 years (cocaine) and 4.5 years (methylamphetamine) were adopted before reduction for guilty plea. Where the prosecution case is overwhelmingly strong under s 35(4) of the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 (ACT), the guilty plea discount is limited to a non-significant reduction. Excellent rehabilitation demonstrated on bail, including drug abstinence and academic achievement, can justify a non-parole period below the usual 50-70% range. The court expressed doubt about the rationale of s 35(4) but applied it as required.
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