Opinion
From the remarks of the sentencing judge, it was evident that the defendant's long record was a factor in the determination of his sentence. That was proper. The defendant pleaded guilty to unlawfully carrying dangerous weapons in a vehicle and received a sentence of from two to three years. The sentence must stand.
Decided June 24, 1960
Application for review of sentence imposed by the Superior Court in Tolland County (No. 2241). Sentence confirmed.
Michael D. Green, the defendant, pro se.
Joel H. Reed II, state's attorney, for the state.
The defendant, age thirty-six, pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawfully carrying dangerous weapons in a vehicle. On December 18, 1959, he was sentenced to the state prison for not less than two nor more than three years. The maximum sentence for this offense is $1000 fine or imprisonment for not more than five years or both. General Statutes § 29-38.
On October 7, 1959, the state police arrested the defendant and one Bette Messenger in their automobile on suspicion of larceny. A search of the car disclosed a Crossman gas-operated .22 caliber pellet gun. This type of gun operates by air at a high pressure with pellet bullets and is classified as a dangerous weapon. The defendant was living with Bette Messenger but was not married to her, and both were active in shoplifting in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Bette Messenger was introduced to drugs, shoplifting and sexual perversion by the defendant.
The defendant claims that his sentence is too high and that undue consideration was given to his previous record. Starting May 8, 1936, there are seventeen different items in his record which include escape from jail, larceny, desertion from the army, lascivious carriage and theft, to list a few.
From the remarks of the sentencing judge, it is evident that the defendant's long record was a factor in the determination of his sentence. Such is proper. State v. Van Allen, 140 Conn. 586, 590.