"Jump" Principle

R v Johnsrud, 2014 ABCA 395:

“Jump” Principle

 [9] This principle of sentencing suggests that sentences for repeat offenders should increase gradually, rather than by large leaps. The appellant concedes that he has a lengthy criminal record, including several convictions for firearms offences. He was sentenced in 1999 to a term of imprisonment of 24 months for attempted robbery. He says that a 7.5 year sentence is too great a jump.

[10] In his 42 years, the appellant has received a variety of sentences for weapons-related offences, violating court orders and crimes of violence. None has deterred him. The seriousness of the offences continues to escalate. The “jump” principle has little or no application here and does not override the other fundamental principles of sentencing.