These include the maximum penalty prescribed by the Parliament, and the seriousness and circumstances of the offence. Courts look at the intention of offenders. They also consider the consequences of the offence and any aggravating features which might warrant heavier punishment. In some cases there is greater need for general deterrence. Where an offence is prevalent and its instance is increasing, courts may send a message to the community that such an offence will be dealt with severely.
Courts take into account many factors in sentencing offenders.
For instance, they might deal differently with an offender who has several convictions for similar offences in the recent past to someone with an unblemished record. Different again might be someone who has made a valuable contribution to the community and whose involvement in a crime is isolated and out of character. The courts have also developed principles that distinguish between offences involving lengthy planning and offences committed on the spur of the moment. Courts also look at the state of a person's mental health. Sadly many people who come before our courts suffer from psychiatric problems.