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.}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2435778 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 IN THE COOK ISLAND COURT OF APPEAL \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 HELD AT AUCKLAND, }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8270700 NEW ZEALAND}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7543841 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2435778 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 CA 5/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 02 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1062978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2435778 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7543841\charrsid10114284 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7543841 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2435778 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10114284 LOUISA APII NICHOLLS}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Appellan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 t \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7543841 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2435778 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7543841\charrsid10114284 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7543841 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2435778 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10114284 POLICE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1062978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Hearing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 : 11 December 2002 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Coram}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid739612 Casey JA (Presiding)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10114284 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Barker JA \par Smellie JA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1062978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 : T P Browne for Appellant }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10114284 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 T El}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 ikana for Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1062978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Judgment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 : 11 December 2002 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2435778 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1062978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 [1] This is an appeal against sentence of 18 months total imprisonment imposed on the Appellant in the High Court at Rarotonga on 21 August 2002 . The Appellant had pleaded guilty to six charges of dishonesty involving the theft of $19,200 from her employer, the Edgewater Resort Hotel. She had been employed as Head Cashier at the Resort. Her responsibilities involved cash reconciliation, documenta t ion and banking on a daily basis from both the restaurant and the office of the Resort. She was also required to supply a monthly reconciliation overview. When interviewed, she admitted theft over a period from April to September but was not able to say o n what particular day she stole any particular amount of money: generally she would}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 take about $100 to $300 a day. She also admitted to falsifying her monthly reconciliation prior to handing it to the Financial Controller at the end of each month in such a way as to cover up the theft. She admitted spending all the money that she had stolen on food, clothing and raffle tickets. She is a married woman with four children, the eldest being 15 years of age. Although she had been dismissed from the Edgewater Res ort, at the time of sentencing, she had employment with an agency of the Ministry of Health. She had never previously appeared before the Court. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 [2] At sentencing, the Judge had before him a very lengthy probation report: he considered submissions from the Appellant's counsel. He noted that she was a good community supporter and mother, but was also a thief. He said that his init}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 ial thought was for a term of 2}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7543841\charrsid10114284 \'bd }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 years' imprisonment but, after listening to counsel and the Appellant, reading a number of refere nces and "noting that you are beginning to try and pick yourself up", he took into account her past contribution to the community. Nevertheless, the Judge felt that the Appellant needed a sharp lesson on the maj}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 or charge he sentenced her to 18}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 months' impr isonment and on each of the theft charges to 1 years' imprisonment, the sentences to be concurrent. He made no order as to restitution, as requested by the prosecution. He stated that he took into account the alleged inadequate systems at the Edgewater, b ut also that he did not wish to burden her family whilst she was in jail. He said it would be up to the Edgewater to decide to pursue the Appellant in the civil courts. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 [3] At the hearing of the appeal today, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12455420\charrsid10114284 Mrs}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Browne has said everything that is possibl e to be said in support of the appeal. She stressed that the Appellant was a first offender and had pleaded guilty at first appearance. She submitted that the Sentencing Judge had not paid sufficient weight to the effect on her children of a sentence of i mprisonment. The children were to have been cared for by their natural father, but according to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12455420\charrsid10114284 Mrs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Browne, this arrangement has not worked out: it seems that the children have been in the care of the Appellant's brother and his family. The brother sought financial help from the government for his additional responsibilities but this was declined on the basis that the natural father should maintain the children. There was concern that the oldest daughter, aged 15, had been leaving the uncle's home to live with a 20 year old boy. Counsel also mentioned the behaviour of the offender subsequent to the offence in that, once arrested, she had sought }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 counse}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16648305 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 ling }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 from Punanga Toturu. However commendable her resort to counselling took place at a rather late stage. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435778\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 [ 4] Both counsel have carefully reviewed a number of previous decisions of the High Court both from single Judges of the High Court and three Justices of the Peace for sentences of persons convicted of dishonesty offences. It is hard to make any real compa risons or to detect any pattern. The case of }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Police v Anna Tamangaro}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 involved false accounting by an employee, a 31 year old first offender falsely accounted for $15,352 and who was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment followed by 12 months' community service. Then there was }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Police v Basilio Tutai Kaokao}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 : the accused was found guilty by a jury on two counts of forgery and three of theft as a servant. The amount involved was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 $41,768. He was sentenced to 2}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12455420\charrsid10114284 \'bd }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 years' imprisonment for forgery, 2 years' for false a ccounting, 2 years' for one theft charge and 1 year on the other theft charge. The sentences to be served concurrently. Clearly, that offender did not qualify for any discount on the grounds of an early guilty plea. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 [5] Counsel correctly referred to a previous decision of this Court, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Paio Paio v Police}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12455420\charrsid10114284 (CA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16648305 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12455420\charrsid10114284 14/}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 95, 29 October 1996). The Appellant there had been sentenced to 8 months' imprisonment for an offence o\'a3 dishonesty. The Court noted the basic principle which must guide this Court, namely, that a Court of Appeal can interfere with a sentence only if the Judge in the Court below has proceeded on a wrong basis or the sentence was manifestly excessive. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 [6] We are unable to say that the Judge proceeded on a wrong basis or that the sentence was manifestly excessive. It was certainly within the range. We think the Judge did take account of the mitigating factors when he re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 duced his original thought of 2}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2627392\charrsid10114284 \'bd }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 years' imprisonment by 12 months. Clearly, he had taken into account this Appellant's early guilty plea a nd the fact that she was a first offender. We see some merit in the point made by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 Mr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Elikana for the Respondent that the Judge must have had some concern by the Judge about the effect on the family because of the Judge's refusal to make the order for rest itution which he felt would have impacted on the family which was clearly going to suffer when the mother of the family was imprisoned. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 [7] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 Consequently, though we have every symp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752543 athy with the submissions made b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 y Mrs Browne for the Appellant, we cannot se}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752543 e that this Court is justified in}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 interfering with the sentence. The appeal is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6752543 therefore }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10114284 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Casey JA \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 Barker JA \par Smellie JA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1062978 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Solicitors: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Browne Gibson Harvey PC, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10114284 Rarotonga for Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16274711\charrsid10114284 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1062978\charrsid10114284 Crown Law Office, Rarotonga for Respondent \par }}