Mere disparity between sentences imposed on co-offenders is not of itself a ground for the intervention of an appellate court. To be appellable the disparity between sentences on co-offenders must be unjustifiable. It must be excessive and manifestly so.
A disparity between co-offenders' sentences of approximately 6.5 years (9 years 9 months vs 3 years 2 months) on the same large commercial quantity trafficking charge does not engender a justified sense of grievance where the lower sentence reflects significant assistance to authorities, youth, lack of prior convictions, and the hardship of serving in protection. There is no prescribed informer discount; the appropriate discount depends on the circumstances of each case.
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