The High Court in Lautoka has upheld the sentence handed down by a magistrate to a man found with 0.098 grams of methamphetamine. Justice Sunil Sharma rejected Krishneel Dass’ appeal on the grounds that it lacked merit.
On April 2, Dass received a 29-month prison sentence, with a non-parole period of 18 months, for possession of illegal drugs. One of Dass’ primary arguments in his eight grounds of appeal was that the sentence was excessive.
Justice Sharma stated, “The sentence in this case is neither harsh nor excessive; in fact, it is below the accepted tariff, which is an appropriate sentence for the crime committed.” In his ruling in September, the justice expressed some reservations regarding the magistrate’s sentences but chose not to elaborate further to avoid influencing any potential ongoing appeals.
He concluded that the magistrate “correctly and properly exercised his sentencing discretion” and dismissed all appeal grounds due to their lack of merit.