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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA 066 OF 2002S
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Appellant
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 And:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 ERONI VOLAVOLA
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Respondent
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\par Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814\charrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 29th August 2002
\par Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814\charrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 6th September 2002
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814\charrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Ms A. Neelta for Appellant
\par Respondent in Person
\par 
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\par The Respondent was charged with the following offence, in the Suva Magistrate\rquote s Court:
\par 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5405234 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5405234 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 IMPROPER USE OF MOBILE COMMUNICATION}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 : Contrary to section 51 and 87 of Land Transport (Traffic) Regulations 2000.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5405234 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Particulars of Offence}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5405234 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Rt. Ero
ni Volavola, on the 19th day of April 2002, at Suva in the Central Division drove a motor vehicle on Milverton Road used two way mobile communication without bringing the said vehicle to a stand still.
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14952832 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Facts}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par On 31st May 2002, the charge was read and explained to the Respondent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 He pleaded guilty.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The prosecutor then said that the facts were \'93as in the charge.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The 
\'93facts\'94 were admitted and the Respondent was convicted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 There were no previous convictions.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The Respondent said in mitigation - \'93I was involved with ACP Driver.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The booking officer didn\rquote t see me, I was going to stop.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
The Magistrate then told the prosecution to get the booking officer, and adjourned to 10th June 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
On 10th June, the Respondent did not appear and a bench warrant was issued.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 On 
14th June, the Respondent appeared and the bench warrant was cancelled.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 There is no record that the booking officer in fact appeared.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 However the court record then reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 \'93This accused had admitted the offence.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 In his mitigation this accused stated that he was involved on that day with ACP Drivers when he received a call, he was going to stop and before that someone saw him.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 First the particulars of offence was Waimanu Road where the Booking officer was at the ti
me this offence was committed at Milverton Road, the particular was later amended to Milverton Road before this accused came to court on 31/05/2002.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 On 10/06/2002 the Booking Officer was in court and confirmed that he received a call from another officer t
hat this accused was committing the said offence at Milverton Road, so he booked this accused while he was at Waimanu Road.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The information in the TIN is hearsay and therefore not accepted by the Court.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 I therefore use the Court\rquote s discretion under section
 44 of the Penal Code and order that this accused be discharged without convictions.\'94
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The Land Transport Authority appeals against this order on the following grounds:
\par 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 a)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
That the learned magistrate erred in law and fact by discharging the accused under section 44 of the Penal Code Cap. 17 on the grounds that the charge laid is based on hearsay information;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 b)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
That the learned magistrate erred in law by failing to enter plea of not guilty when the defendant disputed the facts;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 c)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 That t
he learned magistrate erred in law by failing to set the case for hearing (H.C.F Cr. }{\insrsid2495242\charrsid5910814 App}{\insrsid2495242 e}{\insrsid2495242\charrsid5910814 al}{\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
 No. 34 of 2002, LTA v. Daya Shankar Sharma);
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 d)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
That the learned magistrate erred in law and fact by discharging the accused under section 44 of the Penal Code Cap
. 17 when the penalty of the above offence is fixed by law that is fixed penalty is eighty dollars and maximum penalty is five hundred dollars (HCF - Cr Appeal No. 12 of 2001 State v Usman Ali s/o Suleman).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14952832 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The grounds of appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par The first ground of appeal is that the Magistrate erred in discharging the Respondent under section 44 of the Penal Code on the ground that the charge was laid on the basis of hearsay.
\par 
\par The discharge under section 44 of the Penal }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2495242\charrsid5910814 Code}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814  is a sentence entered after a finding of guilt.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 That section provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 \'93
(1) Where a court by or before which a person is found guilty of an offence, not being an offence for which a fixed sentence is prescribed by law, is of opinion, having regard to the circumstances including the nature of the offe
nce and the character of the offender, that it is inexpedient to inflict punishment and that a probation order under the Probation of Offenders Act is not appropriate, the court may, with or without proceeding to conviction, make an order discharging him 
absolutely ...\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par Section 44 is therefore not available unless there has been an unequivocal plea of guilty accepted by the court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
Was there an unequivocal, unambiguous plea of guilty?
\par 
\par Regulation 51 of the Land Transport (Traffic) Regulations 2000 (Legal Notice No. 64 of 2000) provides as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 \'93
No driver whilst driving a motor vehicle on a public street may use any form of two-way communication device unless the vehicle is first brought to a stand still in accordance with these regulations.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par Regulation 87 provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 \'93
A person who commits an offence under these Regulations is liable on conviction to the penalties prescribed for that offence in Schedule 2 to the Land Transport (Fees and Penalties) Regulations 2000.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par The record shows that the Respondent pleaded guilty to the offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
No additional facts were disclosed, but in mitigation the Respondent said: \'93he was a first offender and he was involved with ACP Driver.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
The Booking Officer did not see him, and he was going to stop.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 This mitigation did not dispute the facts.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
Indeed the learned Magistrate interpreted it to mean that he was involved with the Assistant Commissioner of Police, when he received a call, and that he was going to stop, when someone saw him.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 This is a clear admission of the facts giving rise to the charge. In the circumstances, it is not clear why the learned Magistrate needed to call the booking officer to substantiate the facts.
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Further, if the learned Magistrate did not accept the facts as disclosing the offence, then the next logic
al step would have been to record a plea of not guilty and list the case for trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
However, as I have already found, the facts relevant to the charge were not in dispute.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
The Respondent admitted using a mobile telephone in a car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 His comment that he was about to pull up, was a mitigating factor.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 It did not detract from the ingredients of the offence. There was no need to hear evidence to substantiate the facts.
\par 
\par In criminal proceedings, the plea is taken after the charge is read.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The facts are then read to the court.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The facts must disclose the offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 In the case of an unrepresented accused person, the acceptance of the plea of guilty depends on the way the facts are outlined.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 If the accused disputes facts which go to the essenti
al ingredients of the offence, or if he/she in mitigation raises a possible defence to the charge, the Magistrate must set aside the guilty plea and record a not guilty plea.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 (}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 R -v- Bland ford Justices ex parte G}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814  (1967) 1 QBD 82).

\par 
\par In the outlining of facts, the prosecutor must inform the court of the nature of the evidence against the accused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
This is derived from witness statements.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The facts are always \'93hearsay\'94 because the prosecutor was}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  not there when the offence was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 committed, and is only relating what he read in the witness statements.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 However, a plea of guilty is an admission of the facts material to the charge.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 There is no need to prove the facts, because it is both \'93a confession of fact and such a confession that 
without further evidence the court is entitled to, and in proper circumstances will, act upon it so that it results in a conviction.\'94 (}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 R -v- Rimmer}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814  (1972) 1 ALL ER 604).
\par 
\par At some stage during the proceedings, the learned Magistrate heard the evidence of the booking officer.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
This evidence is not recorded on the court record.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
However the record does include a Traffic Infringement Notice, and the affidavit of the booking officer, Mr Antonio Masiyasa.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
This affidavit stated that on 19th April 2002 the Respondent was using a mobile telephone in vehicle No. DO119 on Milverton Road without bringing the vehicle to a standstill.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 It appears that Mr Masiyasa told the court that he himself did not see the Respondent committing the offence, but was told that he was by the booking officer on Milverton Road.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Mr Masiyasa then \'93booked\'94 the Respondent.
\par 
\par This disclosure made no difference at all to the plea.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The Respondent was seen using a mobile telephone in a car he was driving.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 He did not dispute that.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
His mitigation was that he was going to pull up.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
The Traffic Infringement Notice contained information given by another officer, but it did not detract from the guilty plea.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
Indeed if the matter had proceeded to trial, the booking officer who witnessed the offence would no doubt have been called by the prosecution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 His evidence would not have constituted hearsay.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 In the circumstances insofar as the court appears to have considered that there was a dispute of fact which rendered the plea unsafe, he was in error.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Further, the calling of evidence on a guilty plea, and the rejection of the facts as being \'93hearsay\'94
, also constitute irregularities of procedure.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Finally, if the \'93discharge\'94
, purports to be an acquittal on the ground that the facts were in dispute (and this is not clear from the record), this was also an error because a dispute of relevant fact should lead to a trial, not an acquittal or \'93discharge\'94.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The first ground of appeal succeeds.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The second ground of appeal is that the learned Magistrate erred in failing to enter a not guilty plea.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 As I have said, there were no grounds to set aside the guilty plea, because the Respondent did not dispute committing the offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 His complaint was that another person saw him commit the offence, and not the booking officer.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 This was a matter which did not render the plea equivocal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
He did not deny using the mobile telephone.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 There was no reason for a change of plea.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 This ground fails, as does ground (c) that the Magistrate erred in failing to set the case for hearing.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The last ground of appeal is that the learned Magistrate erred in discharging the Respondent under section 44 of the Penal Code, when the minimum penalty of the offence is fixed by law.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 This ground depends on a view taken of the learned Magistrate\rquote s remarks, that he was delivering a sentence.
\par 
\par It is not clear whether the discharge was intended to be a sentence, because it was preceded by a finding that he did not accept the facts outlined by the prosecution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 However, if it was intended to be a sentence, then the minimum penalty is $70 fine with a demerit point of 2.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Section 44 does not apply to sentences fixed by law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
This point was dealt with by Pain J in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 State -v- Alifereti Nakautoga}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
 Crim. App. No. HAA 130 of 1997 in respect of a mandatory minimum sentence under the Dangerous Drugs Act, and I respectfully endorse his findings.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 This was not a case in respect of which section 44 could have been applied.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14952832 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Result}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par This appeal succeeds on the ground that the learned Magistrate had no grounds to reject the facts admitted to by the Respondent, or to discharge the Respondent without conviction.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 In respect of the discharge, he was without jurisdiction.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
The order is therefore a nullity and is quashed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5910814  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 The case is remitted back to the Magistrate\rquote s Court for sentencing.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910814 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6453253\charrsid5910814 
\par At Suva
\par 6th September 2002
\par }}