TF, R. v [2024] NICA 13, February 16, 2024, at paragraph 14:

The sentencing principles in this area have not really changed since the Court of Appeal dealt with cruelty to children cases in the case of R v Mitchell [2005] NICA 30.  There is a serious need to punish and deter in these types of cases.  As a matter of principle immediate custody is almost always inevitable absent exceptional circumstances.  As another Court of Appeal case, R v W [2014] NICA 71, stated, sentencing in cases of child neglect necessitate a careful consideration of the entire factual context and no two cases are the same.