What message does this send?

“This is one of the most heinous of crimes and this poor young girl will forever live with the rape and what happened to her.”

Mr Dametto said: “What message does this send to other victims of rape?”

“Why would a victim put themselves through the pain and anguish knowing this could be the result they receive,” he said.

“I don’t believe this sentence reflects community expectations.”

Thankfully, acting Attorney-general Mick de Brenni confirmed he had sought “urgent advice” about the prospects of an appeal.

It’s something shadow attorneygeneral and former lawyer Tim Nicholls was in favour of. He described the sentence as “totally unacceptable”.

It’s a message that’s hard to argue against. Victims of sex crimes need to be reassured there will be justice in sentencing if they come forward.