Kyla
06-11-2004, 04:29 AM
DPP to appeal Roche sentence
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lodged an appeal against the sentence of convicted terrorist Jack Roche.
Roche, 50, was sentenced on June 1 to nine years in jail for plotting to blow up the Israeli embassy in Canberra.
He became the first person to be convicted under Australia's new anti-terror laws when he pleaded guilty midway through his trial in Perth District Court to a charge of conspiring to damage the embassy with explosives, and as a consequence harm diplomatic staff.
With time already spent in custody and parole, Roche could walk free from jail in May 2007.
In court, prosecutors had sought a sentence approaching the maximum 25 years, but Roche's legal team argued his cooperation with authorities should be considered.
The DPP said in a statement it had lodged an appeal in the West Australian Court of Criminal Appeal.
A spokeswoman said no date had been set by the court to hear the matter.
Hylton Quail, Roche's lawyer, said he was disappointed with the decision.
"We are disappointed, but the appeal process will take its course," he told AAP.
"We are still finalising our decision on whether Mr Roche wishes to lodge any appeal himself."
Mr Quail said a decision on whether Roche would seek a lighter sentence through an appeal should be finalised by the end of next week.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock welcomed the DPP's decision to appeal.
© 2004 AAP
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lodged an appeal against the sentence of convicted terrorist Jack Roche.
Roche, 50, was sentenced on June 1 to nine years in jail for plotting to blow up the Israeli embassy in Canberra.
He became the first person to be convicted under Australia's new anti-terror laws when he pleaded guilty midway through his trial in Perth District Court to a charge of conspiring to damage the embassy with explosives, and as a consequence harm diplomatic staff.
With time already spent in custody and parole, Roche could walk free from jail in May 2007.
In court, prosecutors had sought a sentence approaching the maximum 25 years, but Roche's legal team argued his cooperation with authorities should be considered.
The DPP said in a statement it had lodged an appeal in the West Australian Court of Criminal Appeal.
A spokeswoman said no date had been set by the court to hear the matter.
Hylton Quail, Roche's lawyer, said he was disappointed with the decision.
"We are disappointed, but the appeal process will take its course," he told AAP.
"We are still finalising our decision on whether Mr Roche wishes to lodge any appeal himself."
Mr Quail said a decision on whether Roche would seek a lighter sentence through an appeal should be finalised by the end of next week.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock welcomed the DPP's decision to appeal.
© 2004 AAP