Man Sentenced To 18 Months Imprisonment For Church Burglary. Six Months Will Be Served In Prison and Twelve Months Will Be A Suspended Sentence
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By Alric Lindsay
Donald Arlington Miller appeared in the Summary Court on February 12, 2025, to be sentenced for burglary, failing to provide a specimen of urine, consumption of ganja and failing to surrender to custody. Miller received 18 months of prison time, 6 of which he will serve in prison and 12 of which will be suspended for 2 years.
Background and sentencing details
Regarding the burglary, it was explained in the Summary Court that Miller broke into a historic church and stole the AV equipment.
Sentencing him, the Chief Magistrate noted that, according to Miller’s social inquiry report, he had a very high likelihood of reoffending, and there were no suggestions for alternative sentencing. In the circumstances, all alternative options were exhausted.
Having considered relevant matters, the Chief Magistrate broke down the prison time as follows:
| Description | Sentence |
| Starting point | 3 years |
| Credit for early guilty plea | Reduction to 2 years |
| Mitigating factors | Reduction of 6 months |
| Total sentence | 18 months |
The Chief Magistrate was lenient with Miller, saying that he would only need to serve 6 months and the balance of 12 months would be suspended for two years. Miller was warned that he would go to jail if he committed a crime during the period of his suspended sentence.
Concerning the failure to surrender to custody, the Chief Magistrate sentenced Miller to 1 month in prison, to be added to the burglary sentence. This was because Miller reportedly went missing for a long time.
For the ganja offences, the Chief Magistrate said no separate penalties would be applied.
Miller has seven days to appeal the sentence.
