[EnderWiggin]

Originally Posted by SW01

If defence counsel were unable to raise any basis for mitigation of the sentence (which they are all well trained and usually well practiced in doing), then in all probability no such basis, recognised by law, existed. Another thing to consider is that the majority of (competent) Judges do not generally make rash decisions on sentencing - it doesn't look good at appeal and does very little for their reputation.

Agreed.

_EW_