Opinion ID: 2087919
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Sweet

Text: [¶ 23] Sweet was sentenced to a total of 40 years in prison. Using current good time calculations, he may be released in approximately 35 years. See 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1253 (1983 & Supp.1999). The length of this sentence reflects both the serious nature of Sweet's crimes and his criminal history. Sweet had previously served a ten-year sentence for his earlier sexual activities with children. He was convicted of threatening one of those victims after his release. He was on probation at the time of these new offenses. He was aware of his counseling options and aware of the dire consequences awaiting him should he abuse more children. [¶ 24] Nonetheless, Sweet sought out and assaulted two more children. The court was justified in concluding that because Sweet was not deterred by his previous sentence or willing to take advantage of the services available to him through probation, the risks he posed to children were grave. Moreover, it was clear that Sweet was not a good candidate for further probation. The court's decision to impose a lengthy unsuspended sentence reflects the sentencing goals of restraining the convicted person in the interest of public safety as well as recognizing the gravity of the offenses. See 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1151(1), (8) (1983 & Supp.1999). We conclude that the court did not exceed the bounds of its discretion in sentencing Sweet to 40 years in prison.