B. Possible Sentencing Combinations

Introduction

In sentencing an offender the court has a range of non-custodial sentences to consider, and a very broad range of opportunities to combine sentencing options.

Combinations

The following table shows the combination of sentences that can be imposed by a court.

Note: Reparation is the only sentence that can be imposed with any other sentence.

Least restrictive outcome

It is expected to become increasingly common for the court to include more than one sentence in a single sentencing. However, the court must keep in mind the principle of the least restrictive outcome and impose a combination of sentences only if:

• any of the sentences within the combination would not meet the purposes and principles of sentencing if imposed alone, and
• any of the sentences within the combination would not meet the purposes and principles of sentencing if imposed in any less restrictive combination.

Legislative references: Sections 19 and 20 Sentencing Act 2002.