R vs Dine (CO 02.2012) [2014] SCSC 20 (23 January 2014)

R vs Dine (CO 02.2012) [2014] SCSC 20 (23 January 2014)

The accused was seen placing the red plastic bag containing controlled drugs under a sofa cushion, admitted ownership after caution, and the chain of custody was established beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution's evidence was corroborated and uncontradicted, and the accused's defence was rejected as inconsistent and unsubstantiated.

Citation
[2014] SCSC 20
Parties
Prosecution: The Republic; Accused: Patricia Dine
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Seychelles
Judgment Date
23 January 2014
Case Number
CO 02.2012
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment
Outcome
Conviction
Legal Topics
Possession of Controlled Drugs, Chain of Custody, Admissibility of Confession, Elements of Possession
Source Language
English
Criminal Law Possession of Controlled Drugs Chain of Custody Admissibility of Confession Elements of Possession

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecution

Patricia Dine

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the accused was in possession of controlled drugs (heroin and cannabis)
  2. 2 Whether the chain of custody of the exhibits was established
  3. 3 Whether the accused's statement under caution was voluntary and admissible

Ratio Decidendi

The accused was seen placing the red plastic bag containing controlled drugs under a sofa cushion, admitted ownership after caution, and the chain of custody was established beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution's evidence was corroborated and uncontradicted, and the accused's defence was rejected as inconsistent and unsubstantiated.

Court Disposition

Conviction

Orders

  • The accused is found guilty on both counts and convicted accordingly.