DRUGS, PENALTIES

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15 March 2007).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning): The Attorney-General has provided the following information:

The Hon. D.G.E. Hood queried the $500 penalty imposed on Denese Campbell in the District Court on 2 March, 2007. I can advise that the sentences imposed on Denese Campbell and her two co-defendants were appealed by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The appeal was heard on 22 May, 2007.

In a decision handed down by the Court of Criminal Appeal on 8 June, 2007, the Court of Criminal Appeal set aside the penalties imposed by the sentencing judge and re-sentenced Denese Campbell to a sentence of imprisonment for nine months. The sentence of imprisonment was suspended upon Ms Campbell's entering a recognizance to be of good behaviour for three years. The Court also ordered forfeiture of the cannabis and hydroponic equipment seized.