JT was charged with a count of ‘Steal from person and inflict actual bodily harm’, contrary to section 95(1) of the Crimes Act 1900, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years term of imprisonment. He was further charged with a back-up offence of ‘Receiving stolen property where stealing a serious indictable offence’, contrary to section 188(1) Crimes Act 1900, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years term of imprisonment.
JT pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the single count on Indictment and his matter was listed for Trial at the Sydney District Court. Months prior to his Trial, the steal from person offence was formally withdrawn by the Crown and his matter was remitted back to the Central Local Court to deal with the back-up offence.
James Castillo acted for JT and entered a guilty plea to the back-up offence. James tendered a Sentence Assessment Report prepared for JT on his previous unrelated matter and made oral submissions on his behalf. Ultimately, the Sentencing Magistrate sentenced JT to a fixed term of 5 months imprisonment. JT’s sentence was backdated and from the Sentence date, he had only a month left to serve in custody before he was released.
This is particularly a great result for JT, noting his lengthy criminal history of the similar natured offences.