The Director of Public Prosecution’s Office is analyzing a ruling by High Court Judge Justice Daniel Gounder who sentenced a 19-year-old to do community work after he pleaded guilty to being in possession of marijuana.
DPP lawyer Nancy Tikoisuva said there are a number of issues that need to be considered before a decision on the appeal is made.
19-year-old Avili Duaqatabu was caught with 11 sachets and 10 rolls of marijuana on May 4th this year and High Court Judge Justice Daniel Gounder sentenced him to do 80 hours of community work.
In his ruling, Judge Gounder said generally an immediate custodial sentence is imposed, however, taking into account that Duaqatabu was motivated by need and not greed to commit the offence as at the time he was living with friends after being chased out of home by his father.
According to Judge Gounder, Duaqatabu committed the offence to make some easy money to live because he was unemployed.
DPP Analyzes Judge Ruling
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