COCAINE convict Joseph Abourizk has had his 12-year prison sentence cut by five years after the Supreme Court upheld his conviction for possessing 49.9 kilograms of cocaine.
The three-member Supreme Court, comprising President Justice Salesi Temo, Justice Lowell Goddard and Justice William Young, delivered its judgment on August 27.
Abourizk, an Australian, and Josese Muriwaqa were arrested in 2015 after police found 34 packages of cocaine in a Toyota Fielder they were travelling in near Vuda Point.
He was originally sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment, while Muriwaqa received 15 years, both with 10-year non-parole periods.
The Court of Appeal later reduced Abourizk’s sentence to 12 years with a seven-year non-parole period, and Muriwaqa’s to eight years with a four-year non-parole period.
The Supreme Court dismissed both men’s appeals against their convictions but allowed Abourizk’s sentence appeal.
Justice Young found the evidence supported the conclusion that both men had control of the vehicle and that the statutory presumption of possession applied.
Abourizk’s seven-year sentence starts from July 31, 2023 and he has a non-parole period of five years.
He will be eligible for release on July 31, 2028.
Muriwaqa’s eight-year sentence remains unchanged.
