THE High Court in Lautoka has affirmed the sentence delivered by a magistrate on a man who had 0.098 grams of methamphetamine on him.
Justice Sunil Sharma dismissed Krishneel Dass’ appeal against his sentence because of lack of merits.
On April 2 this year, Dass was sentenced to 29 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 18 months for being in possession of illicit drugs.
The primary concern raised by Dass in his eight grounds of appeal was that the sentence was excessive.
“The sentence in this case is neither harsh nor excessive, in fact, the sentence is below the accepted tariff which is an appropriate sentence that fits the crime,” Justice Sharma said in his September ruling in Lautoka.
“In the interest of justice, I have perused both sentences, with respect to the lower court, this court has some reservations about the sentences imposed. I shall desist from making any further comments in case there is an appeal pending.
“The learned magistrate correctly and properly exercised his sentence discretion. All the grounds of appeal against sentence are dismissed due to the merits.”
