A combination of factors — very low quantity intended for sale, no ongoing dealing, no original intent to sell, pressure from a fellow user, full cooperation with police, early guilty plea, genuine rehabilitation engagement, absence of personal deterrence as a significant factor, and modest financial gain — may constitute exceptional circumstances justifying a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment for possession of heroin with intent to sell or supply. However, the decision was by majority only, with the President dissenting, and the majority stressed that no single factor alone would have been sufficient.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 12 later cases that cite this judgment.
1 of the 12 citing cases carry a classified treatment. How each court treated it is available to signed-in members.