 For example, the use of a weapon in an assault is an aggravating feature, or the fact that a person is in a position of trust if he/she commits an offence of theft.The defendant’s character, his previous convictions (most relevant will be those for similar offences) and any personal mitigation, as expressed by the defendant’s advocate or (if unrepresented) by the defendant in person.An early guilty plea will go towards reducing the sentence—this can result in a discount in up to a third of the sentence, depending when the plea is entered.