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R v Mataio [2018] NZDC 7136

Published 28 March 2019

Sentencing — possession of methamphetamine for supply — drug offending — breach of bail. The defendant appeared for sentencing on a series of charges, including two charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply. The defendant was visited at home by police for alleged breaches of bail conditions and when he was found in breach and brought to the police station, he was found in possession of 3.6 grams of methamphetamine. Further cash, electronic scales, a pipe, and a number of deal bags were also found. The defendant was on bail for previous possession of almost six grams of methamphetamine. The Judge began with a starting point of three years on the initial drug offending and then applied an uplift for the additional 3.6 grams found of eight months. The Judge granted a 15 percent discount for the defendant's guilty plea, which the Judge considered generous, so provided no discount for remorse. The final sentence was three years one month on the lead charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, with the remaining charges to be served concurrently. Judgment Date: 13 April 2018.