R v Leonel (CO 48/2015) [2016] SCSC 471 (23 June 2016)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF SEYCHELLES Criminal Side: CO 48/2015 [2016] SCSC 471 THE REPUBLIC versus TREVOR LEONEL Accused Heard: Counsel: Mr Vipin, Assistant Principal State Counsel for the Republic Mr Gabriel for the accused Delivered: 23 June 2016 SENTENCE Dodin J [1] This is the sentence. I have heard counsel in mitigation. The Convict is 23 years old. He is a father of a 2 year old child. He is also a first offender. He has pleaded guilty and counsel has stated he is remorseful and we also take note of the amount of drugs involved which is 2.586 grams containing 1.37 grams purity. [2] Even under the law as it stood then there was no requirement for a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment. Learned Counsel has moved the Court to show impose a lenient sentence and not send the Accused for a further imprisonment. [3] I have taken all that. The Convict has already served two months on remand. I do not see the necessity at this time to return him to prison to serve any further sentence. [4] So I sentence him to the time he has served that is 2 months plus a fine of SR20,000 which he shall pay within 6 months of today. He can pay by instalment but he defaults the case would be called a sentence of imprisonment would then be imposed. [5] He can appeal against the sentence within 30 working days of today. Signed, dated and delivered at Ile du Port on 23 June 2016 G Dodin Judge of the Supreme Court 2