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{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 DRAVERE LEDUA \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 And:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980\charrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 19th April 2002 \par Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980\charrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 23rd April 2002 \par \par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980\charrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Appellant in Person \par Mr N. Nand for Respondent \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980\charrsid9204980 JUDGMENT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par The Appellant appeals against his sentence of two years imprisonment imposed on the 3rd of May 2001 in the Nausori Magistrates Court for the following charge: \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid418661 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Statement of Offence}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid418661 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 HOUSE BREAKING ENTERING AND LARCENY}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 : Contrary to Section 300(a) of the Penal Code, Cap. 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid418661 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Particulars of Offence}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid418661 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 PECELI ROKOLEKUTU and DRAVERE LEDUA, on the 26th day of April, 2001 at Vuci South Road, Nausori in the Central Division, broke and entered the dwelling house of SHALEN KUMAR s/o Akhila Nand and stole therein $3,08 0.00 cash, Jewelleries valued $5,194.00, two wrist watches valued $144.00, Kenwood Car Stereo valued $600.00, one training bender valued $25.00 and one Coleman Benzine light valued $185.00, all to the total value of $9,228.00, property of the said SHALEN KUMAR s/o Akhila Nand. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par His grounds of appeal are in respect of both conviction and sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 The grounds are: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1509798 \'931.\tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 That I was not given adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence including the right of access to the witness statements. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1509798 {\insrsid1509798 2.\tab }{\insrsid6495821\charrsid1509798 There was unlawful obtained evidence accused against me. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1509798 {\insrsid6495821\charrsid1509798 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1509798 {\insrsid1509798 3.\tab }{\insrsid6495821\charrsid1509798 To adduced and challenge, evidence and not to be a compellable witness against myself. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1509798 {\insrsid6495821\charrsid1509798 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1509798 {\insrsid1509798 4.\tab }{\insrsid6495821\charrsid1509798 It was not a fair trial. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1509798 {\insrsid6495821\charrsid1509798 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1509798 {\insrsid1509798 5.\tab }{\insrsid6495821\charrsid1509798 Alternatively that the Appellant\rquote s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 sentence was harsh and excessive though the Appellant was first offender.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par The Appellant pleaded guilty to the charge on the 27th of April 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Although he was unrepresented, t he plea appears to be unequivocal, and the facts outlined by the prosecution disclosed the offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 The facts were admitted by the Appellant. \par \par There are therefore no grounds to entertain an appeal against conviction.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 I therefore confine myself to the question of sentence. \par \par The facts of the case were that the Appellant and Peceli Rokolekutu were together on the 26th of April 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Peceli Rokolekutu broke into the house of one Shalen Kumar and stole the items set out in the charge.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 The Appellant did not break into the house.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 However he waited outside as \'93watchman\'94 and a number of stolen items were hidden in the bush near the house.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Both were interviewed by the police, and both admitted stealing the items.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Jewellery was recovered from the house of Rokolekutu and a total of $1,099.00 worth of items was recovered. \par \par Rokolekutu had 2 previous convictions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 He was 27 years old at the time of the offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 In mitigation he asked that a sentence should be passed on him alone as the Appellant had been waiting outside and did not benefit from the break-in.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 On his own behalf the Appellant said he was 19 years old, was an unemployed school leaver and that all items had been taken by Rokolekutu.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 He is a first offender. \par \par The learned Magistrate sentenced both men to two years imprisonment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 He took into account the mitigation of both men but said that a deterrent sentence was called for, given the seriousness of the offence and the prevalence of the crime.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 He ordered that the two year sentence imposed on Rokolekutu was to run concurrent to another sentence imposed in another file. \par \par A perusal of the cases submitted to me by state counsel indicate a tariff of between 2 and 3 years for similar offences.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 This was certainly a serious offence and the 1st accused Rokolekutu richly deserved his two year term.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 He deserved no leniency either for his role in the burglary or for his character. \par \par However the Appellant\rquote s sentence should have been adjusted, firstly for his secondary role in the offending, and secondly for his previous good character.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Further, the courts must think long and hard before sending young first offenders to prison, particularly when their roles in the offending did not disclose premeditation or planning.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 This was a case which called for a short sentence for the Appellant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Unfortunately he did not get one.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Instead while his appeal was pending, the Nausori Magistrates\rquote Court took almost one year to send the court record to the High Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 The Appellant has served one year of his sentence awaiting the hearing of this appeal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 H is case casts an unfortunate reflection on the justice system. \par \par The Appellant\rquote s sentence of 2 years imprisonment is set aside and substituted with a term of imprisonment of 1 year.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9204980 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 The term is to run from the 3rd of May 2001, when he was sentenced in the Magistrates\rquote Court. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3891553 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3891553 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9204980 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6495821\charrsid9204980 \par At Suva \par 23rd April 2002 \par }}