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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par At Labasa
\par Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868\charrsid12203868 HAA}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 0012 OF 2002
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Between}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868\charrsid12203868 :
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 NAVIN CHANDRA NAIDU
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 s/o Ram Chandra Naidu
\par Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868\charrsid12203868 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  and }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868\charrsid12203868 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 THE STATE
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868\charrsid12203868 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Appellant in Person
\par Mr. J. Rabuku for the State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par On the 22}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 nd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 January 2002}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  the appellant was convicted after a trial in the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Labasa Magistrate Court}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  for an offence of }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Found in Possession of a Dangerous Drug}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  and was sentenced to }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 12 months}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  imprisonment.
\par 
\par The appellant now appeals against the sentence but some of the grounds advanced in the appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 s letter raises issues that more appropriately relates to his conviction, such as, a complaint that the trial magistrate }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 ...... did not even bother to find out the facts ......}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 and his dissatisfaction with }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 ...... the investigation that was carried out by the police}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
Accordingly the appellant who appeared throughout in person was permitted to argue his appeal at large.
\par 
\par At the hearing of the appeal the appellant claimed there were }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 only 2 rolls of drugs}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  involved and they in fac
t belonged to a Fijian man that he was with at the time he was apprehended by the police.
\par 
\par In this regard the court record discloses that at the appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 s trial the prosecutor called two }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (2)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
 police officers, the arresting officer and the interviewing officer.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 The appellant}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
s caution interview record and the government analyst}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 s report were also produced as exhibits.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 In his unsworn statement 
at the trial the appellant is recorded to have said}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 1}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 st}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  Constable said there was 1 roll and the 2}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 nd}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  constable said there were 2 rolls of marijuana.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 P.C. Dalip must have smoked it because I did not keep any marijuana.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
By this unsworn statement the appellant had plainly challenged the police officers evidence as to the quantity and identity of the drug produced by them at the trial, in particular, the question of whether there was one or two }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 rolls}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  of marijuana seized from him.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 This }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 discrepancy}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
 is apparent from the police officers evidence with the arresting officer saying he seized one roll and }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
another parcel wrapped in a silver foil}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  from the appellant whereas the interviewing officer testified to receiving }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 2 rolls wrapped in foil paper}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 from the arresting officer and delivering the same to the government analyst at }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Koronivia}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 .
\par 
\par The government analyst in his report,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 produced under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Section 191}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Criminal Procedure Code}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
, describes the samples he received as}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 : }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Dried leaves wrapped in a f
oil paper and a roll wrapped in the cigarette paper ......}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 , }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 which if I may say so tends to confirm the arresting officer}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
s description of the items he seized from the appellant.
\par 
\par It might be that there was an honest misdescription of the items received by the interviewing officer from the arresting officer when he described}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 them as }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 2}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 rolls wrapped in foil paper}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 , but, the undoubted fact remains, that this }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 issue}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
 was never dealt with or resolved by the trial magistrate in his judgment which merely reads}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par 
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I am satisfied by the evidence of the prosecution and I convict the accused.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par With all due respect to the trial magistrate whilst I accept that the Magistrate Court is a court of summary jurisdiction and that the evidence in the case covered a fairly narrow ambit, nevertheless, it has been said on more than one occasion that }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 ...... there is a degree of brevity in a judgment beyond which it ceases to comply with }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (the provisions of) }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
the Criminal Procedure Code and ceases to show that the magistrate has applied his mind properly to the defence raised}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  [per }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Thompson J.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  in }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Mano Datt Sharma v. R.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (1969) 15 F.L.R.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 136}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 ].
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Needless to say in this instance, one is tempted to ask what aspect of the prosecution}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 s evidence satisfied the trial magistrate of the appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 the fact}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
 that the appellant was caught smoking a roll of marijuana}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 ? }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 or}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{
\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 the fact}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 2 rolls }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (of marijuana)}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  wrapped in foil paper}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
 were handed over by the arresting officer to the interviewing officer}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 ? }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 or}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  is it a case that, whatever might be the quantity or description of the marijuana seized, the trial magistrate was satisfied that it came from the appellant}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 ?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par 
\par The appellant has also appealed against the sentence on the ground of its disparity with sentences passed in other cases involving larger quantities}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 of drugs and on the ground that it is}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 harsh and excessive}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 .
\par 
\par State Counsel iterating the trial magistrate, opposes this aspect of the appeal on the basis that the sentence is not harsh }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
because }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (the appellant) }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 has a similar previous conviction}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 .
\par 
\par In this latter regard however, the court record clearly records that the appellant when confronted with his record of previous convictions did not admit them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 As such, unless the appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 s record of previous convictions was independ}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 e}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
ntly proved by the calling of evidence at a }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Newton hearing}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 named after the leading case of }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 R. v. Newton}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (1982) 4 Cr. App.}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 R. (S) 388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
it would be impermissible to take it into account in sentencing the appellant [}{\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 See also}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 :}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Section 127}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  of the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 C.P.C.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  and }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 Stephen Dui v. R}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 .}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (1966) 12 F.L.R.}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 100}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 ].
\par 
\par For the foregoing reasons the appeal is allowed the appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 s conviction is set aside and the sentence quashed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
As the appellant has already served an effective sentence of nine }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (9)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 months}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  imprisonment, there will be no order for re}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 The appellant is accordingly ordered to be released from prison for
thwith.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 (D.V. Fatiaki)
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12203868 {\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 At Labasa,
\par 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1187674\charrsid12203868  July, 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203868\charrsid12203868 
\par }}