Reduction of fine

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33155, 20 February 1973, Page 15

Reduction of fine

A fine of $2OO imposed on| Allan Hamilton Franks, aged! 26, a trainee psychiatric; nurse, in the Magistrate’s! Court on a charge of having! the narcotic cannabis in his; possession, was reduced oni appeal to $lOO by Mr Justice; Wilson in the Supreme Court. Mr P. Graham appeared for the appellant. “As Counsel for the appellent pointed out, the amount of narcotic found in the appellant’s possession was very small,” said his Honour. “There seems to be no reason; to doubt that he acquired it! by way of gift from a friend.; He certainly was not pro-; posing to pass it on to any-; body else.” The probation officer’s report stated that Franks showed a strong sense of guilt and shame for having; let the hospital down. It seemed likely that he would; not touch the drug again and if given a second chance by! the Court and the hospital 1 board he might yet fulfil his! undoubted potential. “In addition, it appears that; the appellant is endeavouring! to stabilise a somewhat difficult financial situation and the fact of his suspension from his employment was it-1 self a substantial penalty. “In all the circumstances.; although I agree that there is a need for a general deterrent aspect on sentences on these offences, I think that the penalty in this instance was too great,” his Honour; said. !