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blake_r}{\creatim\yr2006\mo3\dy30\hr11\min18}{\revtim\yr2006\mo3\dy30\hr11\min18}{\version2}{\edmins0} {\nofpages4}{\nofwords1011}{\nofchars5769}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws6767}{\vern16391}}\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\notabind\wraptrsp\transmf\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\truncatefontheight\subfontbysize\sprsbsp\wpjst\lytprtmet\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot5118766 \fet0\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid5118766\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\pvpara\posx0\posy0\absw9361\nowrap\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid7804696 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}} {\field{\*\fldinst {\insrsid7804696 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid7804696 4}}}{\insrsid7804696 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid7804696 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid7804696 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid7804696 \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\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 0}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 090 OF 2002S}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 TANIELA TOLOSE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 And:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 THE STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 Hearing: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 5th December 2002 \par Judgement:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 23rd December 2002 \par \par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Appellant in Person \par Mr S. Leweniqila for State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087\charrsid7563087 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The Appellant, was convicted on his plea of guilty of the following offences: \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 FIRST COUNT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 PERSONATION}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 : Contrary to section 115(b) of the Penal Code, Cap. 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Particulars of Offence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 TANIELA TOLOSE, between the 26}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 day of June 2000 and 31}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 st}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 day of December 2000, at Suva in the Central Division, falsely represented himself to be Private 28633 AMINIO TAKALA, and assumed to do duties of an Army Officer and received a salary of $342.87 by virtue of such empl oyment, which was to his knowledge false. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 SECOND COUNT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 LARCENY}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 : Contrary to section 259(1) and 262(2) of the Penal Code, Cap. 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Particulars of Offence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 TANIELA TOLOSE, between 26}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 day of June 2000 and 17}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 day of July, 2002 at S uva in the Central Division, stole a K2 Rifle valued at $923.55, 3 Magazines valued at $10.92 and 94 x 5.56mm Ammunition valued at $33.84 to the total value of $986.31, the property of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 THIRD COUNT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid15407398 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 FOUND IN POSSESSION OF ARMS & AMMUNITION WITHOUT A LICENCE}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 : Contrary to section 4(1) of the Arms and Ammunition Act Cap 188. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Particulars of Offence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 TANIELA TOLOSE, on the 17}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 day of July, 2002 at Nakasi, Nausori in the Eastern Division, was found in possession of a K2 Rifle Serial Number 542332, 3 M16 Magazines and 94 x 5.56mm Ammunition without a licence.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months imprisonment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He now appeals against his sentence. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par The Appellant was charged on the 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 of July 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The case was first called on that day.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He requested time to consult a lawyer.} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 A lawyer appeared on his behalf at 4pm on the same day.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He then pleaded guilty.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The facts, as read by the prosecutor were that after the events of May 9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 2000 all Territorial soldiers were called by the Military Forces to assist the regular soldiers.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 On 26}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 June 2000, the Appellant reported to the Military Forces, saying that his regimental number was 28633.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He commenced his duties, and was paid for the first month.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 On the second month, the salaries discovered that his name did not match his regimental number.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 It was then disclosed that the Appellant was using the regimental number of one Private 28633 Aminio Takala.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He was then }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 dismissed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 . \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 However, while he was still emplo yed with the Military Forces, he was posted to do duties at Veuito during the political crisis.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Between 26}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 June and 17}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 July 2000, he stole from a fellow soldier, a K2 rifle, three magazines, and 94 rounds of ammunition the property of the Military Forces.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He kept these items at a relative}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 s home at Nakasi. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 On 5}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 July 2002, the police received information that the Appellant was in possession of a firearm and was going to disrupt the ACP/EU meeting in Nadi.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He was interviewed but released and kept under surveillance.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 On 17}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 July 2002 Captain Suliasi Gukimaleya of the Military Forces contacted the Appellant who voluntarily gave the firearm, magazines and ammunition to him.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He was interviewed again.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He admitted the offences and was brought to court. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par These facts were admitted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 In mitigation the Appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 s counsel said that he was 29 years old, that he lived at Nakasi and was single with one child from a de facto relationship.} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He was employed as a carpenter and lived with his mother.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He said that he committed the offence of personation because he was unemployed and that he had only received salary for one month.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He said he stole the firearm because he did not get on well with the officer who had custody of the firearm.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He said he had no intention of using it and had informed the Captain where he had kept it.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He expressed remorse.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He had 13 previous convictions, five of which were for the offence of robbery with violence. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The learned Magistrate said: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 It is noted from the facts that he had intended to use them to disrupt the ACP/EU meeting.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 May I thank the Police and the Military Intelligence for their quick actions after receiving the information.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 When this accused was contacted, he voluntarily surrendered the items which were all recovered.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He had entered the Fiji Military Forces with dubious means and he stole the items from them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 As mentioned before, he has been in and out of prison.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 It seems he has not learnt his lesson.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 He needs to be kept inside so that he could repent and rehabilitate himself.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 In fact, the prosecution never had evidence that the Appellant intended to disrupt the ACP meeting.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The prosecutor merely said that the police had these suspicions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The Appellant never admitted such an intention. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The sentence was 12 months imprisonment on Count1 , 3 years (consecutive to count 1) on Count 2, and 18 months (consecutive) on Count 3. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The Appellant says that the total term of 5}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 50 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 years imprisonment is harsh and excessive, that he had no intention of disrupting the ACP meeting, and that he took the firearm because of the way he had been dismissed from the Military Forces.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15407398\charrsid7563087 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 State counsel said that the prosecutor did not say that the Appellant was going to disrupt the ACP meeting and that the sentences individually, were not harsh or excessive.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 However co unsel conceded that the total term offended the rule that concurrent sentences should be given for one criminal transaction, and said that concurrent sentences should have been imposed in this case. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 I agree.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The sentences imposed individually, were not wrong in principle, although 3 years imprisonment was on the higher end of the tariff for a second conviction of larceny.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 However the sentence on count 2 does reflect the seriousness of the offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The theft of a firearm (for whatever purpose) at the height of a political crisis when there was already much fear and instability in Fiji, was a very serious matter.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 It called for a deterrent sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Further, although, the learned Magistrate erroneously took into account the alleged planned disruption of the AC P meeting, the 3 year sentence would have been justified even without such an assumption. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 However, the total of 5}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 50 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 years imprisonment was wrong in totality.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 Although Count 1 was a separate offence, it enabled the Appellant to commit the offences on Counts 2 and 3, and all counts are therefore closely linked.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 A concurrent sentence would satisfy the need to pass a deterrent sentence, and the totality principle.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 In the circumstances I order that all sentences are to be served concurrently.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 The Appellant will serve a total of 3 years imprisonment to run from the 23}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 of July 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid15407398 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 JUDGE}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15407398 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7563087 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 At Suva \par 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5118766\charrsid7563087 December 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7563087 \par }}