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{\author High Court Suva}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2006\mo3\dy29\hr8\min30}{\revtim\yr2006\mo3\dy29\hr8\min30}{\printim\yr2002\mo11\dy20\hr9\min34}{\version2}{\edmins3}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1533}{\nofchars8744}{\*\company Judicial Department}
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\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LABASA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.:}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  HAA00}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 18 OF 2002}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 BETWEEN}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 :
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 MITIELI ROKOLACADAMU}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Appellant}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
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\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 THE STATE}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 

\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Respondent}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
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\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Mr. H. Robinson}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  - }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Counsel for the Appellant
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Mr. J. Rabuku - }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Counsel for the Respondent}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 JUDGMENT}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
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\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
The appellant was charged with the offence of LARCENY BY SERVANT Contrary to Section 274(b)(i) of the Penal Code, Cap. 17.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
He was convicted on his plea of guilty and sentenced to two years imprisonment.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 He is now appe
aling against both conviction and sentence.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 FACTS
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The appellant was a prison officer in charge of Labasa Prison from 1997 to 1999.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 One of his duties was collection of revenue under warrants.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 He issued receipts to those who paid.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 He did not bank the money.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 He used old bank lodgment forms and altered dates and figures on them which gave the impression that he had banked the money.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 This occurred over a period from 6}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 th}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  November 1997 to 6}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  August 1999.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 He managed to steal $5,451.80 before he was finally caught on or about 14}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  or 15}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 th}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  October 1999 after an internal check.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
He was interdicted for two years.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
From February 2002, the Ministry of Finance began to deduct $30.00 per fortnight for account recovery and $30.00 per fortnight as fine.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 GROUNDS OF APPEAL}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
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Mr. Robinson submitted that since the appellant had been surcharged under the Finance Act, it was a bar to conviction under the Penal Code under the principles of DOUBLE JEOPARDY.
\par 
\par The starting point for consideration of the principles of double jeopardy is Section 58 and 59 of the Interpretation Act Cap 7, which read}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par 
\par Section 58 states}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par 
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The imposition of a penalty or fine by or under the authority of any written law shall not, in the absence of express provision to the contrary, relieve any person from liability to answer for damages to any person injured.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
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\par Section 59 states}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
Where an act or omission constitutes an offence under two or more written laws, the offender shall, unless a contrary intention appears, be liable to be prosecuted a
nd punished under any of such laws, but shall not be liable to be punished twice for the same offence.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
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\par Section 58 clearly recognizes the two separate elements namely punishment under the criminal law and payment of compensation or damages under the civil law.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 This recognition of the dichotomy can only be overridden by an express statutory provision.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Unless the appellant can point to some such provision in the Finance Act or the Penal Code or the Criminal Procedure Code, he cannot succeed.
\par 
\par Section 59 on the other hand refers to }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 \lquote offence\rquote , \lquote offender\rquote , \lquote prosecuted and}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 punished\rquote }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The use of these words entails a prosecution for a criminal offence, which would of course be by a court of competent jurisdiction.
\par 
\par Section 28(1)(k) of the Constitution also gives expression to the principles similar to Section 59 of the Interpretation Act.
\par 
\par Section 28(1)(k) states}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par 
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Every person charged with an offence has the right:
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\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-855\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 (k)\tab 
Not to be tried again for an offence of which he or she has previously been convicted or acquitted.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
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\par It was not in dispute that the appellant was surcharged; only the total amount recovered is not known.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
The surcharge was done before the appellant was convicted and sentenced.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The fact of surcharge was made known to the learned Mag
istrate in the course of mitigation.
\par 
\par Section 63 of the Finance Act empowers the Minister of Finance to surcharge an officer in certain circumstances.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
The amount of surcharge shall be the value of loss suffered by the government.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Section 67(1) states that }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
the amount of any surcharge made under Section 63 shall be recoverable or a debt due to the Government from the person against whom the surcharge has been}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 made.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
The key word in Section 63 is }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 debt}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Surcharge is not a penalty or a fine.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 It can be rec
overed by way of civil proceedings or without civil proceedings by deduction from wages or salary.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
Conviction is not a prerequisite for recovery of such debt even though a conviction may be relevant to show liability in civil proceedings.
\par 
\par The imposing of surcharge is not a criminal conviction; it is a form of financial discipline of a wayward officer by the Minister.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
It is not a penalty imposed by a court of law.
\par 
\par In }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 R. v. Hogan}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  1960 2 Q.B. 513 (decision of court of Criminal Appeal of England) the appe
llants had escaped from prison.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 They were recaptured.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 They were disciplined under the Prison rules by visiting committee of justices.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Certain privileges were forfeited from the appellants.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
They were later charged and convicted among other offences for escape by force and sentenced to two years imprisonment.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
It was held that the principle that a person who had been convicted of an offence could not subsequently be charged with the same offence in an aggravated form in relation to the same facts was confined to conviction by courts of competent jurisdiction.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The visiting justices had dealt with escapes as a matter of internal discipline.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 There was nothing that prevented the accused from being charged with the common law offences of escape.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Forfeiture of privileges was a matter for consideration in sentencing only.
\par 
\par In }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Serupepeli Cerevakawalu and Osea Baleasavu v. State}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 -}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  Criminal Appeal 042 of 2001S, Justice Shameem declined to set aside twelve months sentence imposed on certain appellants after convic
tion for offence of wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
The appellants had earlier been dealt with by Controller of Prisons under the Prisons Act.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
Their remission had been forfeited and certain other privileges forfeited as well.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The basis o
f the reasoning was that prison rules are in place for maintenance of orders inside prison.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
They do not create criminal offences but only disciplinary offences.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Justice Shameem held that the word }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 convicted}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  in Section 28(1)(k) meant convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction and it could not be extended to a penalty }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 imposed by a}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 domestic or internal tribunal}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 .
\par 
\par In }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 R. v. Bryan Gwyn Green}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
 1993 Criminal Law Review 46 the issue was whether a person who had been dealt with for contempt in civil proceedings for breaching a non molestation order could later be charged with offence of assault arising from the same facts in criminal proceedings.
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 It was held such criminal proceedings could be laid, on the grounds that }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 the Family Division when exercising its
 jurisdiction in contempt proceedings relied upon a jurisdiction which was quite separate from any criminal proceedings which might be brought in criminal courts.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 It was an inherent power which derived from its jurisdiction to enforce its orders.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 It was important to bear in mind that contempt proceedings should be dealt with swiftly and decisively.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 There was no doubt that the contempt jurisdiction of the court was quite separate from the criminal jurisdiction of any other court notwithstanding that it mi
ght arise out of the same set of factual circumstances.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 There is no question of double jeopardy in such cases.
\par 
\par From the above authorities it appears that one has to look at the nature of earlier proceedings, legislation under which they were taken, pur
pose of such legislation, type of penalty imposed and the nature of the body imposing such a sentence to consider the issue of double jeopardy.
\par 
\par A surcharge under the Finance Act is a system of financially disciplining an officer who has breached the provisions of that Act or has in some way failed to act diligently in his office.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The purpose behind Finance Act is to see good use of public funds or at least ensure they are not abused and to recover what is misused.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 It is not a penalty imposed after conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Accordingly this ground of appeal fails.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 SEVERITY OF SENTENCE
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The appellant was sentenced to imprisonment for two years.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 In his sentencing remarks the learned Magistrate looked at the position of trust and responsibility enjoyed by the appellant.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 He also looked at the fact that the theft was carried out systematically over a period of time.
\par 
\par The mitigating factors in the case were a plea of guilty, the appellant was a first offender and surcharge had commenced.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
He also lost employment as a result of conviction.
\par 
\par However there were certain aggravating features to the case as well.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 There was a breach of trust by senior prison officer.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The appellant\rquote s activity spanned over a period of twenty}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 -}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 one months.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 He 
used a fairly sophisticated method to defraud the State.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
The principles of sentencing in cases of Larceny by a Servant are discussed by Justice Pain in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Shane Raymond Heatley v. The State}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 -}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  Criminal Appeal HA 0003 of 1995.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 It suggests that a custodial sentence is the norm in such cases and the only issue being the length of sentence.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par In }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Vishwajit Prasad v. State}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 -}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  Criminal Appeal 23 of 1993 a total of $78,000.00 was defrauded by an employee.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Of this $38,000.00 had been repaid leaving a balance of $40,000.00.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
The Court of Appeal considered that a sentence of four years was excessive and reduced it to two and a half (2}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 1}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 /}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\sub\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 2}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 ) years.
\par 
\par In }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Emosi Banuve v. State}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 -}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  Criminal Appeal 59 of 1989 a sentence of three years imposed by the Magistrate\rquote s Court was reduced to eighteen months.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The amount involved was $4,839.00.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par The present case is close to }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Emosi Banuve}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  in respect of amount stolen.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 However, one factor, which caused this court some concern, is the delay by the authorities in bringing the matter before the court.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The offence was detected in October 1999 but the charge was filed on 6}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  August 2001 about twenty}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 -}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 two months later leaving the matter hanging over the appellant\rquote s head.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Justice Fatiaki (now Chief Justice) in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Josefa Nemani v. The State}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 -}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122  Criminal 
Appeal 0047 of 1997 at Labasa considered that staleness may be a mitigating factor where there is a long delay between the detection of offence and the institution of proceedings.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 Such delay has occurred in this case.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
Some consideration must be given for this.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
The learned Magistrate in his sentencing remarks overlooked the surcharge from appellant\rquote s wages.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
Hence without in any way criticizing the sentence imposed by the learned Magistrate, this Court is able to extend some mercy and leniency in reducing the sentence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 The appellant\rquote s sentence is reduced to a term of fifteen (15) months imprisonment.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 \{ Jiten Singh \}
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6127122 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6127122\charrsid6127122 
\par At Labasa
\par November 2002
\par }}