M2A Good character

Effective from: 01 October 2019 (revised 1 April 2024)

Care should be taken to avoid double counting factors including those already taken into account in assessing culpability or harm

Evidence that an offender has demonstrated a positive side to their character may reduce the sentence.

This factor may apply whether or not the offender has previous convictions. 

However:

  • This factor is less likely to be relevant where the offending is very serious
  • Where an offender has used their positive character or status to facilitate or conceal the offending it could be treated as an aggravating factor.