{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;} {\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;} {\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (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\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tblind0\tblindtype3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\*\cs15 \additive \sbasedon10 \ssemihidden footnote reference;}} {\*\rsidtbl \rsid5050227\rsid5397467\rsid6976857\rsid9124087\rsid13387542\rsid14485290\rsid15478933\rsid15943820}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6850;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\operator sam_f}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy18\hr11\min40} {\revtim\yr2009\mo2\dy9\hr10\min21}{\version8}{\edmins9}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords755}{\nofchars4305}{\nofcharsws5050}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb1440\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\notabind\wraptrsp\transmf\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\truncatefontheight\subfontbysize\sprsbsp\wpjst\lytprtmet\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot15943820 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15943820\sftnbj {\headerr \pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\pvpara\posx0\posy0\absw9361\nowrap\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15943820 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\field{\*\fldinst { \insrsid15943820 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid5050227 1}}}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\insrsid15943820 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\insrsid15943820 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid15943820 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid15943820 \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\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA 070 OF 2002S \par (Suva MC Case No. 3818/01) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 EMMANUEL SMITH \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 And:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 THE STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467\charrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 13th September 2002 \par Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467\charrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 20th September 2002 \par \par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467\charrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Appellant in Person \par Mr N. Nand for State \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467\charrsid5397467 JUDGMENT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par The Appellant is serving a two year prison sentence for the following offence: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5050227 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5050227 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 LARCENY}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 :}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15478933\charrsid5397467 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Contrary to section 259(1) and 262(2) of Penal Code, Act 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5050227 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Particulars of Offence}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5050227 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Emmanuel Smith and Elia Manoa, on the 28th day of October, 2001 at Samabula in the Central Division, stole eleven Gas Cylinders valued $676.50, the property of Carpenters Mobil Service Station. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He appealed against sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 At the hearing of the appeal however, he also raised a ground relevant to conviction.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 That ground is that there were contradictions in the evidence which raised a reasonable doubt about his guilt.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Because the Appellant filed his appeal petition in person I have permitted him to argue his ground of appeal against conviction as well as sentence. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15478933 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The facts}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The facts of the case were that the Carpenters Motors Service Station, in October 2001, sold fuel, spare parts, accessories, Fiji Gas and Blue Gas.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The gas cylinders were kept in two locked cages outside the service station building.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 On 28th October 2001, Steven Chand, an employee of the service station came to work at 6.20am and found the cage holding Blue Gas broken with 11 cylinders missing.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He could not say how many were full, and how many were empty.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Mr Chand was shown 5 cylinders in court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He identified them as Blue Gas Cylinders but could not say if they were the ones stolen.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Under cross-examination he denied that they were Fiji Gas cylinders. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 On a Sunday in October, the Appellant was seen by Nabung Shah, an employee of Reginald Robert of Regis B.B.Q, at the barbeque stall.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He said he had brought a gas cylinder and that Reginald Robert should be woken up.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Reginald Robert then instructed Nabung Shah to buy the gas and take them home.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 In all he bought 11 gas cylinders from the Appellant, for $150.00.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He loaded them in his van and took them home.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 6 of the cylinders were used in the barbeque stall.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 All 11 cylinders had been full. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 On 19th December 2001, the police took 5 empty gas cylinders away.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 They were the only cylinders left of the 11 bought from the Appellant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 In cross-examination Nabung Shah said that the remaining cylinders had been returned to Fiji Gas.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The evidence of Reginald Robert was that he instructed Nabung Shah to buy the gas cylinders.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He did not see who brought the cylinders, and the cylinders were kept by Nabung Shah.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Under cross-examination, he said that he had no idea how many cylinders had been bought and that he used Fiji Gas. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Under caution, the Appellant initially denied committing the offence, but later admitted it sayi ng that his accomplice had broken the padlock of the cage holding the cylinders and put the cylinders in a mini-van.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 They then went to 9 miles to sell the gas cylinders to one \'93Fatty\'94, the owner of a barbeque stall for $15.00 each.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He said he had stolen 11 cylinders in all. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15478933 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The alleged contradiction that the Appellant points to, is the evidence that the cylinders contained Blue Gas, and the evidence that they were returned by Nabung Shah to Fiji Gas.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The evidence was certainly that the cylinders contained Blue Gas.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The empty cylinders were identified by Steven Chand as being Blue Gas cylinders.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 However Nabung Shah did not say that the cylinders he bought from the Appellant, were Fiji Gas cylinders.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He only said that he returned the empty cylinders to Fiji Gas.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 This is not necessarily a contradiction.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Further, although Reginald Robert said that he used Fiji Gas, he did not say that the cylinders that Nabung Shah bought, were Fiji Gas cylinders or indeed, that he had himself seen the stolen cylinders.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 Further, even if there had been a contradiction, the Appellant\rquote s admission to the police was that the cylinders he and his accomplice stole, were the cylinders sold to Nabung Shah.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 In the circumstances, there is no merit in the appeal against conviction. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 As to the appeal against sentence, the Appellant\rquote s counsel mitigated on his behalf.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He said that the Appellant who had 28 previous convictions, was married with four children and was a farmer.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He asked for a suspended sentence. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The learned Magistrate said that the Appellant had been the \'93master-mind\'94 of the enterprise, and was not entitled to any leniency.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He sentenced the Appellant and his accomplice to two years imprisonment each. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 I do not consider that he erred.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The Appellant\rquote s list of previous convictions abound with offences of dishonesty.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 He was given a series of suspended sentences in 1999 for house-breaking offences, and has obviously not learnt his lesson.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 The sentence is within the tariff for larceny, and is therefore not wrong in principle.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5397467 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 It is certainly not excessive. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 For these reasons, the appeal against sentence is dismissed. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13387542 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13387542 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid13387542 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid13387542 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid13387542 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5397467 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15943820\charrsid5397467 \par At Suva \par 20th September 2002 \par }}