Man gets three-year sentence for robbery with violence |11 May 2021

The Supreme Court of Seychelles yesterday sentenced convict Valentino Micky Hoareau to a term of three years imprisonment for the offence of robbery with violence, contrary to S280 and 281 of the Seychelles Penal Code.

Hoareau, who is 23 years old, used a small knife to threaten another person, and stole R6000 in cash, four bottles of Red Label Whisky valued at R595 each, as well as one tin of cigarettes amounting to R1130.

The first-time offender admitted to court that he is drug-dependent and that his criminal behaviour has been triggered by his dependency, using the stolen cash and cash obtained from selling the stolen liquor, for the purchase of heroin. Hoareau also pleaded guilty at the first-instance and according to the probation report, expressed remorse and regret over the incident.

Considering the seriousness of the offence, Justice Mohan Niranjit Burhan said court cannot condone breaking into premises, stealing and committing robbery in order to satisfy his craving for a controlled drug, noting that a suitable punishment must be imposed.

As such, the convict was sentenced to three years, and while serving his term, he must attend a rehabilitation and treatment programme in respect of controlled drugs. The time he spent in remand is to count towards the sentence.

Hoareau is also entitled for remission at the discretion of the Superintendent of Prison.

Laura Pillay