New Zealanders jailed

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 4

New Zealanders jailed

NZPA Perth Three New Zealanders, convicted of smuggling 51.25 M worth of cannabis into Western Australia, were jailed for terms ranging from four to six years. i But they could also face a further 12 months in prison unless they can each pay to the Crown 520.000 — the amount of their bail before they absconded earlier this year. The 143 kilograms of cannabis. the biggest quantity seized so far by the authorities. was brought from Bangkok in the yacht Lau Ling. Peter Lawrence Miller, a’ed 31. Sonya Gloria Turner, aged 26. and Kevin John Lampshire, aged 33, were arrested on board the

yacht after it was stopped Iby narcotics officers on ! January 30. Most of the cannabis was later found buried in five hessian sacks on the beach nearby. In the Perth District Court yesterday. Judge Heenan said all three had taken an active part in the importation. However, he said, he was far from sure of the extent to which each had been i involved and could make I only a rough assessment of • their respective roles. He sentenced Miller to six years jail for importation, with a non-parole period of • two years and nine months. Miller, of Auckland, had earlier pleaded guilty and | the Crown then dropped an- • other charge against him, of 'possession.

1 Miller’s former girlfriend, | • Sonya Turner, formerly of I Napier, was jailed for five! years on the smuggling! count, and three years for) possession of the cannabis; on board the yacht. The l • terms will be served con-1 currently, with a minimum) of two years and four) ; months. i Lampshire, Auckland-born and later of Palmerston; !North, was sentenced to four! • years jail for importing and ! : two years for possession —! • the terms to be served con-! currently. He must spend atl .least one year and 10 ; months in prison before pa'role. Lampshire and Turner had) denied the charges, but were! convicted by a district court i (jury last month.