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Public Prosecutor v Varanileo [2014] VUSC 178; Criminal Case 106 of 2014 (3 December 2014)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF
THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
[Criminal Jurisdiction]

CRIMINAL CASE No.106 OF 2014

PUBLIC PROSECUTOR

- v –

BOBSON VARANLEO

Corum: V. Lunabek CJ
Counsel: Mrs Tabisa Harrison for Public Prosecutor
Mr Francis Tasso for Defendant

SENTENCE

Bobson Varanleo, you appear for sentence. You plead guilty to one count of possession of cannabis, contrary to section 2 (62) of the Dangerous Drugs Act [Cap.12].

This offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment or a fine of Vatu 100 Million or to both such fine and imprisonment.

On 27 May 2014, police officers got information that you were involved in the selling of cannabis at your house. Police officers obtained search warrant and searched your house. They found two (2) plastic containers of marijuana (cannabis) from the search. One of the containers contained 11 rolls of cannabis. The cannabis products tested positive and weighed 8.61 grams. You were arrested and you opted to speak in court.

You are 27 years of age. You reside at Erakor half road with your de-facto wife. You have two (2) children with her. You are a Muslim believer by faith. You have good relationship with your family and community. You are of good health. You are self-employed. You have skills in gardening and building renovation.

In mitigation, you are a first time offender with no past criminal record. You plead guilty at the first opportunity given to you by the court. You are remorseful for what you have done. You apologise and say sorry to the court and promise not to reoffend again in the future.

You are sentenced to 200 hours community work.

You have 14 days to appeal your sentence if you are unsatisfied with it.

DATED at Port Vila, this 3rd day of December 2014

BY THE COURT

Vincent LUNABEK
Chief Justice