IN THE SUPREME COURT OF SEYCHELLES

THE REPUBLIC
VS.
JEFFREY SOURIS (Accused)

Criminal Side No. 119 of 2003

Mr. Govinden for the Republic
Mr. Juliette for the Accused

SENTENCE

Gaswaga, J

The accused, now convict, has been charged with the offence of arson contrary to Section 318 of the Penal Code, Cap 158.  The particulars alleged that Jeffrey Souris on the 18th day of December, 2003 willfully and unlawfully set fire to a house belonging to Lise Louange.

The accused has tendered a guilty plea thereby showing remorse and he is accordingly credited for saving the precious time of the Court.  No doubt, this is a serious offence that led to destruction of property and calls for a serious sentence.  

The Court has once again considered the mitigation presented by Mr. Juliette on behalf of the convict especially that the convict and the victim had been in concubinage for six years during which period the two had problems from time to time mostly based on the allegation that the victim was bringing other lovers in the house where they lived.  Further, that this caused the convict jealousy who on the material day was even drunk.  Be that as it may the convict, a father of three, and first offender regrets the incident.

It is the duty of this Court in these circumstances to find a suitable sentence for the convict.  The convict shall therefore serve a period of four years in prison.  The period he has so far spent in prison on remand shall count towards the said sentence.

Right of appeal against sentence is explained to the convict.

D. GASWAGA
JUDGE
Dated this 15th day of October, 2007.