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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 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\pararsid11557960 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA 79 OF 2002S
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960\charrsid11557960 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 JONE BOA
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Appellant
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 THE STATE
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Respondent
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\par Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960\charrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 24th October 2002
\par Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960\charrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 25th October 2002
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960\charrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Appellant in Person
\par Mr D. Toganivalu for State
\par 
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\par The Appellant was, on the 20th of April 2001, charged with the following offence:
\par 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2557174 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 INDECENT ASSAULT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
: Contrary to Section 154(1) of the of the Penal Code, Act 17.
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\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx1080\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2557174 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
JONE BOA, on the 17th day of March 2001 at Lami in the Central Division, unlawfully and indecently assaulted a woman namely MERE DELAIVUNA.
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\par He pleaded guilty but the trial commenced because he disputed the facts outlined by the prosecution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
The prosecution called Mere Delaivuna, (the complainant) and two police officers.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
The evidence was that on 16th March 2001, the complainant, whose husband is a soldier and was away at Monasavu, was alone at home with her three children.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10698126 
She went to sleep at 8pm. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10698126\charrsid11557960 Between 3am and 4am that night a person came into her bedroom and touched her vaginal area.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10698126  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 She woke up and saw the Appellant in the light that was on in the sitting room.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 He ran away.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 She tried to switch on the light but could not.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 She then went to the main switch and found it had been turned off.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 She turned it on and followed the Appellant outside and saw him running away.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 She did not see his face but recognised him by his build.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
She said she knew the Appellant well because he visited the house regularly.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 The police witnesses tendered the Appellant\rquote 
s police statements in which he had confessed to the offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 He had initially denied going to the complainant\rquote 
s house that night, but when he was told that his father\rquote s statement contradicted his, he changed his story.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
He said he had gone to the complainant\rquote s house to see one Semesa, and saw the complainant lying there.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 He then to
uched her private parts.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 She got up and he ran outside.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 He said that he was the complainant\rquote s first cousin.
\par 
\par The Appellant, when cross-examining the police witnesses suggested that they threatened him to make him confess.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
He gave sworn evidence saying that the police had failed to record everything he had said.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Under cross-examination, he said the complainant
\rquote s evidence was untrue and that he had been forced by the police to give his statement.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 He said \'93
the police officer who caution interviewed me didn\rquote t punch me.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 The police charging officer didn\rquote t punch me.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 I confessed because the police threatened me.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 They said they will lock me in the cell and punch me.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 I can\rquote 
t remember the officer\rquote s number.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 I had pain in the ribs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 I didn\rquote t seek medical examination.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 I didn\rquote 
t report the matter to the police.\'94
\par 
\par He called a witness, Vika Rodgers, who said that she had been with the Appellant at 2am on 17th March 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 She said she didn\rquote 
t know where the Appellant was at 3am.
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate said that although the complainant\rquote s evidence of identification was not reliable, he accepted the evidence of the confession.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 He found the offence proved beyond reasonable doubt, convicted the Appellant and sentenced him to two years imprisonment.
\par 
\par The Appellant appeals against conviction and sentence on several grounds which I summarise for the sake of convenience:
\par 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
The identification evidence was unreliable;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
The victim had said that the Appellant was doing the same thing to other married women;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
There was no corroboration;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
There was evidence of an alibi which should have been accepted;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
The Magistrate refused to hear witnesses;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\wrapdefault\faauto\ls2\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
The sentence of two years imprisonment was harsh and excessive.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 At the hearing of the appeal, the Appellant a
bandoned most of these grounds, and argued only that the evidence of identification was unreliable, and that he had been assaulted in police custody by the interviewing officer and that therefore the statements ought to have been excluded.
\par 
\par State counsel opposed the appeal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
He conceded that the learned Magistrate ought to have dealt more thoroughly with the evidence relating to the admissibility of the confession, but said that there was ample evidence to justify conviction.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 He further submitted that the sentence was appropriate and fell within the tariff for indecent assault cases.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1921505 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Identification}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par The learned Magistrate did not rely on the evidence of identification because he said the complainant had not seen the assailant\rquote s face.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Thus this ground of appeal lacks merit because the evidence was not relied upon.
\par 
\par Of course, it is arguable, that because the complainant was identifying a close relative, who was a regular visitor, recognition of his build might have been acceptable as safe identification evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
However, an assessment of the quality of identification evidence is usually best left to the trial court on the basis of the length of the encounter, the lighting and the nature of the relationship between the witness and the accused.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 In this case the learned Magistrate assessed the evidence to be unreliable.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 The Appellant\rquote s first ground of appeal is therefore based on a misapprehension of the basis of the judgment.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1921505 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 The Confession}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par The learned Magistrate directed himself generally about the burden and standard of proof, but did not do so specifically in respect of the admissibility of the confession.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 He said that he accepted the evidence of the two police officers who interviewed and charged the Appellant and rejected the evidence of the Appellant, whic
h he said was contradictory in itself.
\par 
\par It is unfortunate that the learned trial Magistrate did not direct himself on the law relevant to the admissibility of confessions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
In all cases, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that any confession made to a person in authority is voluntary, and not obtained by unfair means, or by oppression.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 However, if he had so directed himself, I doubt that the result would have been different.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 The Appellant said he was not assaulted, then, that he was.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 At the h
earing of this appeal, he said he had been assaulted in the chest by the interviewing officer.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
At the trial, he alleged only threats, but then appeared to allege assault on the ribs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
His evidence was clearly incredible and any reasonable tribunal would have rejected it.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
There were no credible grounds to challenge the admissibility of the confession.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
Thus, whilst the learned Magistrate erred in failing to refer to the test for admissibility, or to the burden of proof, I find that there was no miscarriage of justice.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 This ground of appeal also fails.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1921505 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Sentence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par The sentence of 2 years imprisonment falls within the tariff for indecent assault cases in this country.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 In }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Ratu Veretariki Kadavu -v- State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960  Crim. App. No. HAA 049 of 2000L, Prakash J after reviewing a 
number of indecent assault sentences, said that a custodial sentence of between 1 and 4 years is the tariff.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 In this case the Appe
llant assaulted a woman who trusted him as a relative, entered her home in the middle of the night as she lay asleep, and touched her vagina.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 The circumstances show a number of aggravating features and no mitigating ones.
\par 
\par In the circumstances I decline to reduce the sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 This appeal is wholly dismissed.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11557960 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11557960 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458566\charrsid11557960 
\par At Suva
\par 25th October 2002
\par }}