CRIMINAL CASE NO. 383 OF 2011
COURT: I have to sentence you for trafficking in a dangerous drug. You now appreciate that it is a serious offence and you will know that the sentences follow guidelines.
The guidelines are based on the nature and quantity of the drug. In your case the drug was ketamine and you were caught delivering 147 grammes of it.
The relevant guideline runs from 50 to 300 grammes, attracting a starting point for sentence after trial of 6 to 9 years’ imprisonment. You will appreciate that there are many such cases before the courts and consistency in sentencing is important.
It takes something truly exceptional to depart from the guideline. There is nothing exceptional in your case but having said that I have heard a nice mitigation from your counsel, Mr Chan, and I shall act upon it and I will show you as much mercy as I can within the guideline.
I will summarise now those matters that will lead me to a starting point at the bottom end of that bracket I have mentioned. That you are only 19 and you have never been in trouble before, that you were cooperative with the police, that you pleaded guilty in the Magistrates’ Court and I accept that what you told to the police that you were doing this for a reward of so small a sum as $500.
I detect some true remorse in your case and I have listened to the letters translated that you wrote and that your mother wrote. You clearly come from a decent family and I judge that you now understand the real pain that you have caused by your conduct.
You did not have a promising start in life and I am encouraged by what I learn of your resolve to teach yourself the trade of cooking and to lead an honest life after this.
By reason of those matters I cannot take you out of the bracket, but I will take a starting point at the bottom end of 6 years. Your plea earns you a discount of one-third. The result is a sentence of 4 years’ imprisonment.
I have no doubt at 19 that will seem a very long time to you but it is designed to be a lenient sentence in the circumstances.