The State v Collin Amoko (2002) N2214

• Jurisdiction: Papua New Guinea
• Citation: (2002) N2214
• Date: 18 April 2002
• Court: National Court
• Year: 2002

Full Title: The State v Collin Amoko (2002) N2214

National Court: Jalina J

Judgment Delivered: 18 April 2002

1 Criminal Law—Sentence—Armed robbery—Robbery of hotel of K1,332.75 cash—Use of chemical mace against security guards—Discharge of shot gun at security guard—Cash not yet recovered—Prevalence of robbery and other violent crimes—Custodial sentence necessary as deterrent—Criminal Code s386(2).

2 The State v Austin Upena (2002) N2222, Public Prosecutor v Don Hale (1998) SC564, Tau Jim Anis v The State (2000) SC642 and Gimble v The State [1988–89] PNGLR 271 referred to

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Jalina J: This prisoner has pleaded guilty to the armed robbery with actual violence K1,332.75 in cash at about 11pm on 19 March 1999 at Lamington Lodge here in Popondetta Town.

It appears from the evidence the summary of which was given by the State Prosecutor for purposes of arraignment that the victim, who was employed at the Pokies or Gaming Section of Lamington, was going to the office after taking the money from the Poker Machines. She had the money in a small bag. When she was near the Saloon Bar one of the two boys who were nearby rushed towards her and pulled out the bag from her hand.

In his hand he had a pocketknife. His other friend who was with him had a police issue chemical spray which they sprayed the victim and others who were with her. Security guards who went to her assistance were also sprayed with the chemical spray and they ran towards the main gate and fled. While they were running away they fired shots from a shotgun at...