Suspension of conviction is an exceptional remedy and cannot rest on temporary prejudice or inapplicable precedent.

Suspension of conviction is an exceptional remedy and must be used sparingly, particularly where the alleged prejudice is temporary and can be undone if the challenge succeeds. The Court found the precedent relied on to be inapplicable on the facts, and noted that the seriousness of the offences and the respondents' conduct weighed against granting that relief. Suspension of sentence stands on a different footing and was not disturbed. The conviction was therefore not to remain suspended, while the sentence suspension was maintained.

---

---

Issues: Whether the High Court was justified in suspending the conviction of the respondents pending revision and whether the suspension of sentence could be sustained.

Analysis: The power to suspend a conviction is exceptional and must be exercised sparingly. Relief of that nature is not warranted where the alleged prejudice from the conviction is temporary and capable of being reversed if the challenge to conviction succeeds. The earlier precedent relied upon was held inapplicable on the facts, and the seriousness of the offences and the conduct of the respondents also weighed against suspension of conviction. The order granting suspension of sentence stood on a different footing.

Conclusion: The suspension of conviction was set aside, but the suspension of sentence was maintained.

---