{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial;} {\f173\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f174\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f176\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f177\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;} {\f178\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f179\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f180\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f181\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);} {\f183\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial CE;}{\f184\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Cyr;}{\f186\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Greek;}{\f187\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Tur;}{\f188\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Arial (Hebrew);} {\f189\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Arial (Arabic);}{\f190\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Baltic;}{\f191\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Arial (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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\s1\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{\s2\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{\s4\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\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;}{\s15\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Body Text 2;}{\s16\qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Body Text Indent 2;}{\s17\qj \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Body Text Indent 3;}{\s18\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Body Text;}{\s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext19 header;}{\*\cs20 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-1696141718 \listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid623467284} {\list\listtemplateid278068826\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1040546740}{\list\listtemplateid1227362664\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440 \jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1066538499}{\list\listtemplateid-1682028846\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1580140779}{\list\listtemplateid-1891618664\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat2\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00);}{\levelnumbers \'01;}\b0\i0\fbias0 \fi-660\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1926301630}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1066538499\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid623467284\listoverridecount0\ls2}{\listoverride\listid1926301630 \listoverridecount0\ls3}{\listoverride\listid1580140779\listoverridecount0\ls4}{\listoverride\listid1040546740\listoverridecount0\ls5}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid2184573\rsid16651914}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI} {\author High Court Suva}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2006\mo3\dy29\hr16\min19}{\revtim\yr2006\mo3\dy29\hr16\min19}{\printim\yr2002\mo8\dy23\hr10\min8}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages8}{\nofwords3254}{\nofchars18550}{\*\company Judicial Department} {\nofcharsws21761}{\vern16391}}\margr1728\margb432 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot16651914 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs20\insrsid2184573 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid2184573 8}}}{\cs20\insrsid2184573 \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid2184573 \par }}{\*\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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 HAA00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 55 OF 2002 \par \{ Nausori Magistrate\rquote s Court Crim. Case No.: 71 of 2002 \}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 BETWEEN:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 ASERI KOROI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 APPELLANT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 THE STATE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 RESPONDENT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Mr. E. Veretawatini}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 For Appellant \par Mr. V. Vosarogo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 For Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 BACKGROUND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This is an appeal against both conviction and sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant was charged with five counts of INCEST.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The alleged offences occurred over a period of thirteen months from September 2000 to October 2001.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The first four offences allegedly occurred at Korovou in the Central Division.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The fifth occurred at Suva in the Central Division. \par \par The appellant was brought before Suva Magistrate\rquote s Court on 22}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 February 2002 where the charge was read to him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 He pleaded guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The facts were not outlined.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The case was adjourned to 25}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 February 2002 for facts to be outlined and for sentencing.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The accused was told to get a lawyer if he wanted to.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 On 25}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 February 2002, the case was again adjourned to 26}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 February 2002.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This Court was told by Mr. Vosarogo, Counsel for the State that the typed facts were not ready and that was why the case was adjourned twice. \par \par On 26}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 February 2002, copy of typed facts was given to the accused.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant admitted the facts. \par \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 FACTS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The facts briefly were that the appellant is aged 42 years and is a taxi driver.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The complainant is aged 22 years and is a Secretary.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The complainant is appellant\rquote s daughter from a previous }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 de facto}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 relationship and had come to live with the appellan t and the stepmother.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant admitted to having sexual intercourse with the complainant on five occasions knowing that she was his daughter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant was caught red}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 handed having sex on 22}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 October 2001. \par \par The complainant gave birth to a baby boy on 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 November 2001. \par \par In mitigation the accused said he was aged 42 and married.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 He said we all have weaknesses in life and that he was weak on this occasion. \par \par The appellant was not represented in the Magistrate\rquote s Court. \par \par The grounds of appeal are as follows \endash \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in not giving any or any time to the Appellant to organize his case before the plea of guilty, which was unreasonable and unfair thereby giving rise to a miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 That th e learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact when he failed to consider a denial of the Appellant\rquote s Constitutional right to a lawyer under Section 27(1)(c) of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 That the learned trial Magistrate exceeded his jurisdiction when he presided upon the Appellant\rquote s case when the proper forum was the Nausori Magistrate\rquote s Court, vide Nausori Criminal Case Number 71/02, hence there has been a substantial miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The learned trial Magistrate erred i n law and in fact in sentencing the Appellant in the manner and form which he has done in respect of the subsequent Counts especially when there is a disparity of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 sentencing between Counts 1 and 2, hence there has been a miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (e)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 That the s entence passed by the learned trial Magistrate is harsh and excessive in any event; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (f)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 That the appellant reserves the right to argue and/or file further or revised Petition of Appeal after perusing the copy of the Court record. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 RIGHT TO COUNSEL}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The first ground of appeal is that the appellant was not given enough time to organize his case and the second ground is that the appellant was not accorded his constitutional right to counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The two grounds overlap and may be conveniently dealt together.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The records disclose that the appellant was told to get a counsel AFTER he pleaded guilty. \par \par Under Section 28(1)(d) of the Constitution the accused has the right to be represented by counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Most people who appear in Court would be unaware of this right and it is incumbent upon the trial court to inform the persons of this right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Even though the Constitution is silent as to what point in time the accused person ought to be informed of this right to counsel (RTC), commonsense dictates that it should be done BEFORE the charge is put to the accused and plea taken.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The accused\rquote s answer should also be recorded. \par \par In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 SIMIONE RAURA v. THE STATE}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \endash Criminal Appeal 59 of 2001 unreported judgment Justice Shameem said that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 the numbers of appeals against convictions would be considerably reduced if Magistrates informed unrepresented accused persons of their constitutional right to counsel.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This right should not be taken lightly by the court system, and the right cannot}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 be assumed to be waived, when the Magistrate has not told the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 of it}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 before the plea}{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 was taken}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 .[underlining is mine] \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par In the event an appellant is not informed of his right then the appellate court looks at the record with care to see that there was no prejudice caused to the appellant. \par \par The issue of right to counsel (RTC) is of great significance to the Magistrate\rquote s Court as all accused persons pass through that court. \par \par Section 28(1) reads \endash \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Every person charged with an }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 offence}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 has the right}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It then goes on to specify those rights including the right to counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The question is whether the Right to Counsel is confined to charges under the Penal Code or extends to other offences too.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This answer depends on the meaning of the word \lquote offence\rquote . \par \par Prima facie an offence is equivalent to a crime \endash per Collins J. in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL v. DERBY}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 1896 2 Q.B. 57 at 58.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The Dictionary of English Law by Earl Jowitts says }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \lquote the word offence has no technical meaning in English Law, but it is commonly used to signify any public wrong, including, therefore not only c rimes or indictable offences, but also offences punishable on summary convictions \'85 it is used as a comprehensive term to cover anything for which a court can inflict punishment\rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 In section 2 of the Interpretation Act Cap. 7 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 offence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 is defined as }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 any c rime, felony, misdemeanour or contravention or other breach of, or failure to comply with, }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 any}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 written law for which a penalty is provided}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 In the Penal Code it is defined as }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 an act attempt or omission punishable by law}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 . \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 These definitions suggest that if penal consequences follow from certain acts or omission, then that particular act or omission is to be treated as an offence.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 One has to look at the consequences to the accused of a conviction for such act or omission.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 If it could result in payment of f ine or loss of liberty in any way or any other type of penalty, then the act or omission is an offence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The amount of fine or level of penalty is immaterial.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Accordingly even traffic cases are caught by the provisions of this section.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Accordingly the right to counsel warning ought to be given in traffic cases as well.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This may be, or I must say will be a huge burden on an already overburdened Magistrate\rquote s Court where at times over one thousand cases are called on a single day.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 However, this constitutional requirement cannot be by}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 -passed.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par \par }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 WAS THERE PREJUDICE}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant submits that the failure of the learned Magistrate to inform the appellant of his right to counsel before the plea was taken resulted in prejudice.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The records show that the charge was read to the accused and he pleaded guilty.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This is not a complicated charge to understand.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 If a person has sexual intercourse with one\rquote s own child the offence is proven.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 There is nothing technical about that.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Its elements are easy to understand.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant was asked to engage a counsel after his plea.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Facts were not outlined till three days later.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 He had ample time to consider his plea or get counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 When the facts were outlined, he admitted the facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 In his mitigation he said like others he suffered fro m moments of weakness in committing the offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The facts were simple.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The admission was without any reservations.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 If the appellant had disputed the facts, the guilty plea would have been vacated and a not guilty plea entered with a trial following in the normal process.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 There was an unequivocal plea of guilty in the present case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The procedure normally followed and which should be followed by Magistrate\rquote s courts in cases where an unrepresented illiterate person pleads guilty is to treat the plea as provis ional only and defer the final acceptance until the facts have been outlined and admitted by the accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It is evident from the record that this is precisely the approach which the learned Magistrate took.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The absence of counsel did not result in any prejudice to the appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It is not every failure to inform an accused person of right to counsel which would lead to conviction being set aside.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 One has to show that such failure resulted in prejudice to the accused or caused miscarriage of justice before a conviction is set aside. \par \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 INCORRECT PROCEDURE \endash SECTION 206 OF CPC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant also complained in its submissions that the procedure followed by the learned Magistrate was very strange and set a dangerous precedent to be relied upon in any criminal case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 I find this submission very strange indeed in view of the provisions of Section 206(1) and (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This section sets out the steps to be taken by the Magistrate\rquote s Court when an accused charged with an offence comes to court. \par \par Section 206 reads \endash \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 (1)\tab The substance of the charge or complaint shall be stated to the accused person by the court, and he shall be asked whether he admits or denies the truth of the charge. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \fi-660\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 (2)\tab If the accused person admits the truth of the charge, h is admission shall be recorded as nearly as possible in the words used by him, and the court shall convict him, and pass sentence upon or make an order against him, unless there shall appear to it sufficient cause to the contrary.}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par The learned Magistrate followed this procedure of reading and explaining the charge to the accused who admitted the charge; there was outline of facts followed by admission of facts, mitigation conviction and sentence. \par \par Counsel for the appellant also submitted that the records do not disclose that the facts were read to the appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The records show that a copy of typed facts was given to the appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Mr. Vosarogo who appeared before the Magistrate Court and in this court confirmed that the facts were read out in court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 I acc ept his word as that is the normal and well understood procedure in the Magistrate\rquote s Court of reading facts and giving a typed copy to the accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The records show the appellant admitted the facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The grounds of appeal too make no reference to facts not being read to the accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 So this ground fails. \par \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 POLICE PRESSURE TO PLEAD GUILTY}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Counsel for the appellant also submitted that on strength of }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 VILIKESA BALECALA v. THE STATE}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \endash Criminal Appeal 62 of 1996 that the learned Magistrate should have asked the appellant if he was pressured or induced into pleading guilty.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The facts of }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 VILIKESA BALECALA}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 are unusual in that three accused were jointly charged and they all alleged that they were pressured by the police into pleading guilty.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 They pleaded guilty at a special sitting of the court on a Saturday to the offence of attempted rape.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The facts as outlined did not disclose any offence of attempted rape against two of the co}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 accused of the appellants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 However, they were convicted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The conviction of those two co }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 accused were set aside.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant\rquote s guilty plea was vacated and case remitted to the Magistrate\rquote s Court. \par \par The circumstance in that case pointed to something improper.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 There is no allegation of improper police conduct or facts not disclosing an offence here.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Courts would be bogged down into a meaningless and irrelevant enquiry if each time an accused appeared, they were to enquire into police conduct.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 I find no merit in the ground. \par \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 SANCTION OF DPP}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant\rquote s submissions that the Director of Public Prosecution has not given consent to institution of five counts of incest are technical and devoid of merit.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The records show that the Director of public Prosecutions had sanctioned that the appellant be charged for the offence of incest without specifying the number of counts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 All five counts are in respect of incest. \par \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 LACK OF JURISDICTION \endash WRONG FORUM}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The next ground was that the Suva Magistrate\rquote s Court had no jurisdiction to hear this case as the offence took place in Korovou and the Nausori Magistrate\rquote s Court was the proper forum.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 I note that the offence in one of the counts took place in Suva. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Generally speaking an offence is tried in the court closest to the place of commission of offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This is because witnesses are from that area and enquiries are conducted by police from that area.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It is for the convenience of prosecution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Section 61 of the Criminal Procedure Code relates to place of inquiry or trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It reads \endash \par \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16651914 \b\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Subject to the provisions of Section 59 and to the powers of transfer conferred by Section 70 every offence shall ordinarily be inquired into and tried by court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction it was committed, or within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the accused was apprehended, or is in custody on a charge for the offence, or has appeared in answer to a summons lawfully issued charging the offence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par The appellant submits the entire proceedings are invalidated because they were heard in Suva Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The answer to that submission lies in Section 341 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which is a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 savings}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 section designed to meet technical procedural objections to forum.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It reads \endash \par \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16651914 \b\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 No finding, sentence or order of any criminal court shall be set aside merely on the ground that the inquiry, trial or other proceeding, in the course of which it was arrived at or passed, took place in a wrong district or other local area, unless it appears that such error has in fact occasioned a failure of justice.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par The section is very clear.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Unless the appellant can show that the failu re to conduct proceedings in Nausori Court occasioned a failure of justice, he is not entitled to succeed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The onus is on him to show failure of justice.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Rarely if ever an appellant who has pleaded guilty would succeed in showing a failure of justice.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 A fa ilure of justice may occur where an accused with limited means is tried in an incorrect district and because of his limited means he is unable, due to expenses involved, to bring his witnesses to court and is unable to put forward his defence properly.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The mere hearing of an action in a wrong court is by itself not a sufficient reason to set aside a conviction.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 This ground therefore fails. \par \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 SEVERITY OF SENTENCE}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant also appealed against severity of sentence of nine years imprisonment for five counts of incest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 For purposes of sentencing, the law of incest differentiates in sentence depending on whether the victim is under thirteen years of age or over thirteen years of age.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 If the victim is below thirteen years, the maximum penalty is life impris onment; if above thirteen years, the maximum penalty is seven years imprisonment. \par \par Incest is a sexual offence which is an affront to community standards of decency.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It arouses outrage among members of society who normally ask for extreme forms of punishment. \par \par Cases of incest are now raising their heads before the courts so some consideration on approach to be taken on sentencing is perhaps due.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 There has to be a uniformity of approach to be taken in sentencing not uniformity in sentences as factors in every case differ with respect to background of the accused, the victim and the circumstances of the offence so a uniform sentence in all cases is impossible and would cause injustice in many. \par \par In England the guideline case on incest is }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 ATTORNEY GENERAL\rquote S}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 REFERENCE NO. 1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 of 1989 (1990) Crim. App. R 141. \par \par According to Lord Lane, }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 it is stating the obvious to say that the gravity of the offence of incest varies greatly according, primarily, to the age of the victim and the related matter namely the degree of coercion or corruption}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914\charrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par \par He divided the incest cases into three broad categories according to age of victims }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 (1)\tab }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Where the girl is over 16. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Generally speaking a range from three years\rquote imprisonment down to a nominal penalty will be appropriate depending i n particular on the one hand on whether force was used, and upon the degree of harm, if any, to the girl, and on the other the desirability where it exists of keeping family disruption to a minimum.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The older the girl the greater the possibility that she may have been willing or even the instigating party to the liaison, a factor which will be reflected in the sentence.}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 In other words, the lower the degree of corruption, the lower the penalty. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 (2)\tab }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Where the girl is aged from 13 to 16. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Here a sentence betw een about five years and three years seems on the authorities to be appropriate.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Much the same principles will apply as in the case of a girl over 16, though the likelihood of corruption increases in inverse proportion to the age of the girl.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Nearly all th e cases in this and in other categories have involved pleas of guilty and the sentences in this category seem to range between about two and four years, credit having been given for the plea. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 (3)\tab Where the girl is under 13. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 \b\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It is here that the widest range of sentence is likely to be found.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 If one can properly describe any case of incest as the }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 ordinary}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 type of case, it will be one where the sexual relationship between husband and wife has broken down; the father has probably resorted to excessive drink ing and the eldest daughter is gradually, by way of familiarities, indecent acts and suggestions made the object of the father\rquote s frustrated sexual inclinations.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 If the girl is not far short of her thirteenth birthday and there no particularly adverse or fa vourable features on a not guilty plea, a term of about six years on the authorities would seem to be appropriate.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It scarcely needs to be stated that the younger the girl when the sexual approach is started, the more likely it will be that the girl's will was overborne and accordingly the more serious would be the crime.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par The aggravating features in a case like this are \endash \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 any evidence of physical or psychological harm \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 length of time over which the offence occurred \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 any violence threatened or used \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 any accompanying perversions \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (e)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 any resulting pregnancy \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par The mitigating factors would be \endash \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 plea of guilty \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 was incest due to genuine affection or sexual gratification \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 had the victim seduced the offender \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 did the victim have previous sexual experience. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par In the case before Lord Lane, the accused had pleaded guilty to three counts of incest and one count of indecent assault.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Incest had started when the daughter was 11 years old and continued for four or five years with a frequency of three or four times a week.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 A sentence of 6 years imprisonment was imposed. \par \par In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 R. v. Stagg}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 1980 2 Cr. App. Rep (S) 53 a case involving incest, buggery and indecent assault of a daughter, commencing when she was 10 or 11 years old, a sentence of 12 years imprisonment was reduced to 4 years on grounds that long deterrent sentence have n}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 o effect on crime of this kind.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Thomas in }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Principles of Sentencing}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 second edition at page 118 commenting on sentences for incest says \endash \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16651914 \b\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Sentences of five years imprisonment or longer are likely to be upheld where the father deliberately exploits his position in the family by systematically seducing his daughter over a period of time, usually by a series of acts of increasing indecency until the process is completed.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par The New Zealand Court of Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 R. v. B (an accused) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 1984 1 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 NZLR 261 had before it a case of an accused who had pleaded guilty to series of sexual offences of attempted sodomy and attempted incest and five counts of indecent acts.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The daughter was aged 10 years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The headnote to this case reads }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 while a sentence should be heavy enough to mark society\rquote s concern and rejection of this sort of conduct, deterrent sentences were unlikely to have much influence on others.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Very long sentences, crushing for the individual offender, had to be}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 reserved for very bad cases}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The sentence was reduced from one of eight years imprisonment to five}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 year term. \par \par What transpires from these cases is that one must not in sentencing in cases of incest allow one\rquote s sense of natural revulsion and populist urgings for severe sentences to overshadow objectivity.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The sentence must suit the facts of the case. \par \par In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 WAISAKE NAVUNIGASAU v. THE STATE}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \endash Criminal Appeal No. 12 of 1996 unreported judgment of Fiji Court of Appeal the complainant was 17 years old.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of incest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 He was sentenced to a term of nine years imprisonment for rape and to five years on each count of incest, which were to be served concurrent to the sentence for rape. \par \par In the present case the appellant was convicted of five counts of incest which occurred over a period of time.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It is not an isolated incident but rather persisted in.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The girl was 22 years of age and therefore not a young girl.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The aggravating feature of this case is that the victim became pregnant and gave birth to a child as a result of appellant\rquote s action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 It is also noted that in respect of one of the counts he took the complainant to a motel showing an element of planning.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The learned Magistrate looked at the maximum penalty prescribed by statute.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 He referred to the totality principle of sentencing and considered a nine}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 year term as justified.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 His attention was not drawn to }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 Waisake Navunigasau}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 . \par \par The conviction on all counts stands. \par \par Having considered the various authorities referred to earlier; the nine}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 year sentence is indeed excessive.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The sentence is reduced to one of five years imprisonment on each count all concurrent.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 The appellant will accordingly serve a sentence of five years imprisonment with effect from 26}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 February 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16651914 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \{ Jiten Singh \} \par JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16651914 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 At Suva \par 23}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 August 2002}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7232271\charrsid16651914 \par }}