An offence is more serious if the victim is vulnerable because of personal circumstances such as (but not limited to) age, illness or disability (unless the vulnerability of the victim is an element of the offence).
Other factors such as the victim being isolated, incapacitated through drink or being in an unfamiliar situation may lead to a court considering that the offence is more serious.
The extent to which any vulnerability may impact on the sentence is a matter for the court to weigh up in each case.
Culpability will be increased if the offender targeted a victim because of an actual or perceived vulnerability.
Culpability will be increased if the victim is made vulnerable by the actions of the offender (such as a victim who has been intimidated or isolated by the offender).
Culpability is increased if an offender persisted in the offending once it was obvious that the victim was vulnerable (for example continuing to attack an injured victim).
The level of harm (physical, psychological or financial) is likely to be increased if the victim is vulnerable.