24 Apr 1998
The Magistrate's reduction of the standard sentence and the imposition of concurrent terms were within lawful sentencing discretion and not manifestly excessive, therefore the appeal must be dismissed.
30 Apr 1997
The sentence of four years imprisonment was within the sentencing judge's powers, was neither wrong in principle nor manifestly excessive, and the judge's distinctions between the defendants based on age, relative involvement and mitigating circumstances justified the disparity; leave to appeal against sentence is refused.
2 Nov 1993
The court held that s.109A is directory rather than mandatory and that, although there was no error in principle in imposing 15 months for illegal remaining and 3 months for theft consecutively, the accumulated mitigating circumstances (youth, hunger, lack of antecedents, family circumstances) justified, as an act of mercy, ordering the 3‑month theft sentence to run concurrently with the 15‑month immigration sentence; leave to appeal against sentence was granted and the sentence varied accordingly.
12 May 1983
Given the applicant's admitted guilt, the physical harm suffered, his disability and the short remaining term to serve the Court exercised exceptional mercy, granted leave out of time and substituted the existing two-year sentence to permit immediate release while affirming that transit offences are committed on landing and require deterrent sentences.