A man who imported more than 320grams of cocaine and ketamine into Guernsey could get out of prison sooner than expected, after his appeal was allowed.
Advocate Sam Steel successfully argued that Gino Pallisco’s nine year and eight month prison sentence was “manifestly excessive” and the Bailiff has agreed that it should be looked at again.
The Court of Appeal will now consider if the Royal Court’s approach to Pallisco’s sentencing was wrong and should be reduced. It could also be held at the same length or increased, but Advocate Steel will argue it should be shorter.
Pallisco was sentenced in April, after being arrested at St Peter Port Harbour in November last year when he was caught importing 222.38 grams of the Class A drug cocaine and 100.2 grams of the Class B drug ketamine into Guernsey.
The cocaine had an estimated street value of up to £33,354, while the ketamine’s estimated street value was up to £10,020.
Pallisco pleaded guilty but, in considering his application to appeal against the length of his sentence, the Bailiff said he had little choice but to admit his crimes.
Despite being given credit for his guilty pleas, Pallisco’s sentence was based on a starting point of 16 years, reduced through mitigation to the nine year and eight month sentence he is currently serving.
Advocate Steel said the combined starting point went higher than what would have been the case had it just been the Class A drug cocaine imported and not a mix of cocaine and the Class B drug ketamine.
The Bailiff agreed, and has allowed the appeal to proceed. He also approved Pallisco’s application for legal aid.