{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;} {\f66\froman\fcharset0\fprq0{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}Courier New TUR;}{\f67\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f68\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f70\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;} {\f71\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f72\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f73\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f74\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;} {\f75\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255; \red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f66\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\*\cs15 \additive \ssemihidden footnote reference;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid1196941\rsid2360492 \rsid10694825\rsid11487034\rsid11493380}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.4219;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Emalus Campus}{\operator ehndvaun_d}{\creatim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr17\min43}{\revtim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr17\min43}{\version2} {\edmins0}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1145}{\nofchars6527}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws7657}{\vern16469}}\paperw11905\paperh16837\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\notabind\wraptrsp\transmf\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\truncatefontheight\subfontbysize\sprsbsp\wpjst\lytprtmet\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot2360492 \fet0\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid2360492\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2 \pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\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\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 \f66\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 {\*\bkmkstart QuickMark} {\*\bkmkend QuickMark}IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA0017 OF 1995 \par \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 BETWEEN: \par \par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 JITEN ACHARI \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Appellant \par \par A}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 ND: \par \par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 STATE \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par Counsel:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Mr. Raza for Appellant \par Mr. Balram}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 for Respondent \par \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 Hearing}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 8th June 1995 \par Decision:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 8th June 1995 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 ORAL DECISION OF}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid11493380 }{ \b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 PAIN J. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par Before delivering my decision, I wish to advise Counsel and formally record details of an incident that occurred during the adjournment.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 A person who is known to me came to my chambers and I had no concern about that.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 However he was accompanied by another person who wished to speak to me about this present appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 On learning this I immediately refused to speak to them and they left.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 I do not know what connection that person has with this case or what he wanted to say.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 I wish to record that I did not speak with him and nothing occurred that could have any bearing on my decision. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 I will now deliver that decision. \par \par Following a defended hearing, the Appellant was convicted in the Magistrates Court on a charge under Section 238 of the Penal Code of causing death by dangerous driving.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He was sentenced to two years imprisonment.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Surprisingly no period of disqualification was imposed but neither Counsel has made any submissions in respect of that.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par The Appellant appealed against that conviction and sentence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 At this hearing the appeal against conviction and the ground contained in paragraph 4(b) of the petition were abandoned.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 The sole ground of appeal is that the sentence is harsh and excessive having regards to the facts and circumstances of the case. \par \par I must determine the appeal on the basis of the facts found by the Magistrate.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Despite the strong criticism of those findings by counsel for the Appellant, they are conclusive in the absence of any appeal against conviction.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 However, the facts themselves are relatively sparse.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4512\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 The elements of driving in a dangerous manner under Section 238 of the Penal Code require first a consideration of the circumstances under which the driving took place and secondly a consideration of the manner of the driving.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 The prosecution failed to adduce specific evidence on these matters and particularly on the type of circumstances specifically referred to in Section 238.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 These include the nature, condition and use of the road and the amount of traffic which is actually at the time or which might reasonably be expected to be on}{ \b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 the road.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Evidence ought to be a}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 d}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 duced on such matters.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 They should also be addressed by the Magistrate in his decision as the manner of driving and circumstances of the case are eleme nts of the offence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par In this case basic facts were established by the witnesses and statement of the Appellant.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 The incident occurred early in the morning on a street alongside the Suva Market.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 It it clear from the evidence, that there is more than one lane for vehicles travelling in the direction that the Appellant was travelling.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 There was activity in the area as people were bringing their goods to the market for sale.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 A carrier was parked adjacent to the footpath.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 It contained goods for the market.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 The deceased was standing at the rear of the carrier.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 The Appellant was driving a van along the roadway.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He was intending to stop in this area.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 It was light and the road surface was wet.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He was travelling at 40-50 kmph.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He was aware that the brakes of his vehicle were not functioning satisfactorily.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He failed to observe the parked carrier until (according to his statement) he was only two metres from it.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He saw the man behind the vehicle.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He braked and swerved to the left but could not avoid hitting the man.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He also collided with the carrier.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4512\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 In the absence of any explanation, these facts show a gross inattention by the Appellant.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 His Counsel submitted that it could have been momentary in attention or perhaps he fell asleep.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 However, there was no evidence to support that.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 He did observe the deceased and the carrier but only then when he was very close to them and unable to avoid a collision.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 His manner of driving in the circumstances of the case was dangerous.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 It resulted in a death and his conduct is deserving of censure.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par I have carefully considered the authorities referred to me and in particular the cases of }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 R}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 Boswell}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 1984 1 W}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 LR 1047.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 R}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v Guilfoyle}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 1973 2 ALL ER 844, }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 Sefanaia Marau}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 State}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Cr.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Ap.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 79 of 1990 and }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 Edward Sheik Faruk Ali}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 R}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Cr.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Ap.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 62 of 1973.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 It is clear from those cases that driving of the nature found in this case which causes a death is likely to attract a}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 n immediate custodial sentence.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par No purpose would be served by reciting all the different categories of offences and mitigating and a}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 g}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 gravating features set out in the guideline cases. It must be remembered that those very helpful criteria are only guidelines.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 They are not exhaustive of the circumstances that may arise in every case.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Each case must be considered on its own facts and circ umstances.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 In this case the only relevant matters are that the Appellant cannot claim any discount for a clean record as he has a prior conviction for careless driving.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Nor can he claim any allowance for a guilty plea and expression of contrition.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 However he is apparently of good character and has suffered ill}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 health through lead poisoning.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par In my view the learned Magistrate rightly decided that this was a case calling for an immediate custodial sentence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 This court in cases such as }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 Sefanaia Marau}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 State}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 (Cr.App. 79 of 1}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 990) and }{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 Viliame Kasanawaqa}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v}{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 State}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 (Cr. App. 62 of 1991) has indicated that sentences should reflect the seriousness of the offending and concern that there is in the community about the growing road toll.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Some deterrence is appropriate.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 It is clear that the Magistrate was mindful of this although his language may have been a little dramatic.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par Accordingly the only question in this case is whether a sentence of two years imprisonment is excessive.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par The length of prison sentence must necessarily depend on the gravity of the offence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Furthermore there ought to be some consistency in the sentences imposed.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par Counsel have not provided details of cases indicating the range of sentence commonly imposed in Fiji.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 However it is clear that such sentences cover a wide range.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 In the cases referred to by Counsel, the ultimate prison sentence was three months (in }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 Viliame Kasanawaqa}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 State}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 ) 12 months, although suspended because of unusual circumstances, (in }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 Sefanaia Marau}{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 State}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Cr.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 App. 79 of 1990) and 18 months (in the case of }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 Edward Sheik Faruk Ali}{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 v}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid10694825 }{ \i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid10694825 R}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Cr. App.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 62 of 1973).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 I am aware, from my general research and reading, of sentences ranging from 6 to 12 months imprisonment being imposed and on occasions, they have been suspended. \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 On the limited material available, the sentence of two years imprisonment does seem to be beyond the range normally imposed for such offending.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Past sentences may not be a totally reliable guide in view of the clear indication }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 from this court that the prevale}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 nce of road deaths calls for deterrent measures.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 } {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 However this particular case involved a single incident of fault.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 It did not, for instance, involve aberrant driving over a prolonged period, grossly excessive speed or grossly hazardous }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid11493380 manoeuvres}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 Nor is it a case in which the consumption of alcohol was a contributing factor.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 The driving in this case although dangerous was not in the worst category. \par \par In the circumstances, a sentence of two years imprisonment is excessive and should be reduced. \par \par The appeal is allowed.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 The sentence of two years imprisonment imposed in the Magistrates Court is quashed and in substitution a sentence of l2 months imprisonment is imposed commencing from the original sentence state of the 29th March 1995}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10694825 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4512\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492\charrsid11493380 JUSTICE D.B. PAIN}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2360492 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4512\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11493380 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380 HAA0017D.95S}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11493380\charrsid11493380 \par }}