Joshlin Smith trial: Prosecutors ask for maximum sentences for trio

CAPE TOWN - State prosecutors in the Joshlin Smith trial have submitted that all of the accused should be handed maximum sentences for their involvement in the little girl's disappearance. 
  
Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn - are set to be sentenced after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in the matter. 
  
Legal teams wrapped up their final arguments on Wednesday for presiding judge Nathan Erasmus to make his ruling on Thursday. 
  
Defence attorneys for all of the accused pleaded with the court to consider their clients' circumstances before imposing sentences on them. 
  
Lawyer for Appollis, Fanie Harmse told the court to consider his client's background and previous convictions for petty crimes. 
  
Van Rhyn's lawyer, Advocate Nobahle Mkabayi submitted that her client insists he's innocent but that should not prevent the court from giving prudence to his personal circumstances. 

READ: Joshlin Smith's mother breaks down in tears as victim impact statements read out in court
  
While defence attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain told the court that Smith's circumstances should also be taken into consideration when handing down sentencing. 
  
Meanwhile, state prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel said there are no compelling circumstances for the accused not to get maximum sentences. 
  
"My lord, I submit that there are no substantial and compelling circumstances and indeed the maximum sentence should be imposed on all three of the accused, and that there shouldn't be any differentiation between them." 
  
Judge Erasmus told the legal teams he would evaluate their submissions before handing down sentencing on Thursday.