Court name
High Court
Case number
CRIMINAL 2 of 2008
Title
S v Benedictus (CRIMINAL 2 of 2008) [2008] NAHC 23 (21 January 2008);
Media neutral citation
[2008] NAHC 23
CASE NO.: CR 02/2008
IN THE HIGH COURT OF NAMIBIA
In the matter between:
THE STATE
and
GIDEON BENEDICTUS
CORAM:
MULLER, J et PARKER, J
Delivered on:
21 January 2008
REVIEW JUDGMENT
MULLER, J.:
[1] The accused, aged 21 years, was convicted on his plea of guilty of theft of goods to the value of N$1150.00 and sentenced to pay a fine of N$1000 of 16 months imprisonment.
[2] I queried the learned magistrate on the severity of the sentence, the disparity between the fine and period of imprisonment and asked whether the accused was imprisoned or not. I received the magistrate’s response and am satisfied with his reply with regard to the sentence he imposed and that all relevant factors were considered. The magistrate conceded that there is a huge disparity between the fine and the period of imprisonment, if the fine is not paid. However, I am informed that the accused did pay the fine and was not imprisoned.
[3] With regard to the disparity between the amount of the fine and the period of imprisonment the magistrate suggested that the period be amended to 6 months imprisonment instead of 16 months. I find this a sensible suggestion and shall order such a change to the sentence.
[4] In the result the accused’s sentence imposed in the Magistrate’s Court Oshakati on 28 August 2007 is amended by substituting the period of imprisonment of 16 months with 6 months. The formulation of the sentence now reads:
“A fine of N$1000 or in default of payment a period of imprisonment of 6 months.”
____________
MULLER, J
I agree
___________
PARKER, J