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\rsid2311312\rsid4530740\rsid7022753\rsid7090413\rsid11631972}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author blake_r}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2006\mo2\dy14\hr14\min33} {\revtim\yr2006\mo2\dy14\hr14\min33}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1064}{\nofchars6071}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws7121}{\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\rsidroot7022753 \fet0\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid7022753\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\pvpara\posx0\posy0\absw9361\nowrap\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid7090413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f 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)}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA007 OF 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 SEGRAN MURTY}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 s/o Ram Murty \par Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 And:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 THE STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 24th May 2002 \par Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 31st May 2002 \par \par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Appellant in Person \par Ms S. Shah for Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 JUDGMENT}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant appeals against his conviction and sentence of 18 months imprisonment for the following offence: \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Contrary to Section 293(1)(b) of the Penal Code, Act 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 SEGRAN MURTY s/o RAM MURTY, on the 14}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 day of May 2001 at Lami in the Central Division, robbed ASHOK KUMAR s/o INDHAR BIR of cash $50.00, and immediately before such robbery threatened to use personal violence on the said ASHOK KUMAR s/o INDHAR BIR.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par The trial in the Magistrates\rquote Court commenced on 6}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 September 2001.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant was unrepresented although he had been represented by counsel earlier in the proceedings, and had waived his right to counsel.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The first prosecution witness, Ashok Kumar gave evidence that he was a sales representative at the Niranjan\rquote s Ltd., and that on 9}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 May 2001 had met the Appellant who wanted to test drive a vehicle.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He gave the Appellant the keys to the car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant drove to Raiwaqa, picked up a \'93Fijian boy\'94 (later said by the Appellant to be one Jeke Manasa), then went to Walu Bay where fuel was filled at the Niranjan Service Station.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Mr Kumar then drove to Uduya Point where the Appellant said they were to pick up his brother.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 At Uduya Point, the Appellant asked Mr Kumar to wait in the car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Manasa then put a dagger to his neck and took his wallet and key.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant tried to pull Mr Kumar out of the car, hitting him on his shoulder.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Mr Kumar refused to leave the car.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He said he was afraid and screamed. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Two fisherwomen who were fishing nearby then called out \'93Butako, Butako.\'94}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Manasa then returned the key and the wallet.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Mr Kumar drove to Lami Police Station.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He found $50.00 missing from his wallet.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 At the police station, he identified the Appellant to the police. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 PW2, Corporal Esala, who worked in the Police Dog Section, said that his dog found the Appellant and Manasa at Uduya Point lying in a drain.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 They were arrested.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant had a knife, which was later identified by Mr Kumar.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant was interviewed by Police Constable Tevita.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He said under caution that he had directed Mr Kumar to Uduya Point, and admitted trying to pull him out of the car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He said that the Fijian boy \'93Dike\'94 had held the knife and had threatened Mr Kumar but said (at page 25), \'93I don\rquote t know how the thing happened, my intention today is not to rob this Indian man.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant gave sworn evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He said he had robbed the complainant \'93on compulsion from D.K. Munersor\'94 and that his father had lent him $5000 to buy a tax i and that he was looking for a car, and that the incident happened.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He said he was now reformed, and would not re-offend. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Under cross-examination he said he was in Valelevu when the offence was committed and that he had picked Jeke Manasa near Niranjan\rquote s.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He said he had no intention to rob.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He said he did not take the money from the complainant. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The learned Magistrate convicted him, saying that his sworn evidence was actually mitigation and that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant appeals against conviction and sentence on grounds he filed in person.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 I summarise them thus: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-1440\li2160\ri2160\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin2160\lin2160\itap0\pararsid4530740 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He did not have an opportunity to call his witness; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-698\li1418\ri2160\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin2160\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11631972 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He should have been jointly charged with his alleged accomplice; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-1440\li2160\ri2160\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin2160\lin2160\itap0\pararsid4530740 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The offence was committed by the accomplice; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-1440\li2160\ri2160\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin2160\lin2160\itap0\pararsid4530740 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The sentence was harsh and excessive. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 In court he also submitted that the complainant\rquote s evidence was uncorroborated and not worthy of belief. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The State opposes the appeal saying that the Appellant clearly understood his options at th e close of the prosecution case, that he had ample opportunity to call witnesses, that the evidence against him was compelling and that the sentence was in fact lenient in the circumstances. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Witnesses}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The trial commenced on 6}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 September 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant had pleaded first to the charge on 15}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 May 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He was admitted to bail on that day.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Disclosure was completed by 31}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 st}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 May 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 On 16}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 July 2001 he was told that the trial would commence on 6}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 September.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 On that day, the prosecution closed its case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The record then reads: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \fi709\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \'93Accused says his witness is not here.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The trial was then adjourned to 21}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 st}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 December 2001 some four months later.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 On that day he was told of his statutory options.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He opted to give sworn evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He called no witnesses. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant had from 16}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 July to 21}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 st}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 December 2001, to have his witnesses (if any) ready.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He made no application, according to the court record, for a production order to be served on anyone.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Nor did he inform the court on 21}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 st}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 December that he wanted to call a witness.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He chose to give sworn evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 I do not consider that the learned Magistrate erred in any way.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He gave the Appellant plenty of time to bring his witness or witnesses to court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He did not take the opportunity, and I do not consider that there was a miscarriage of justice.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 This ground of appeal fails. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Charge}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The record shows why the accomplice was separately dealt with.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced for the offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 There are many reasons why offenders might be charged separately.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 An expected guilty plea from one, is one such reason.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 By laying separate charges, the court can deal with the guilty pleas without having to wait for the outcome of a defended trial in respect of the other offenders.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 There was no prejudice to the Appellant by the fact that he was separately charged.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Indeed, it cleared the way for the Appellant, to call the accomplice as a witness, if he had wished to.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 This ground also fails. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Evidence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The evidence against the Appellant was overwhelming.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The complainant identified him as the person who was pulling him out of the car, and who assaulted him while the accomplice held a knife to his neck.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The police found both men hiding near the scene of crime.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant had the knife.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He confessed to being in the car, althoug h he said he did not intend to rob.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 In his sworn evidence he said the incident happened when he was looking for a car to drive as a taxi.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He said he hadn\rquote t taken the money and would not re-offend. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 There is in law no need for corroboration of the complainant\rquote s evidence.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 However there was plenty of supporting evidence for the complainant\rquote s testimony.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The conviction is therefore supported by the evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 This ground also fails. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Sentence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The Appellant has a string of convictions for Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He is clearly a habitual offender in respect of the type of criminal enterprise he committed on this occasion.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 He did not deserve leniency, and he was fortunate to receive an 18 month term for an offence in respect of which the tariff is 4 to 7 years.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The sentence is neither harsh nor excessive, nor wrong in principle.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 The appeal against sentence also fails. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 Conclusion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 This appeal is unsuccessful and is wholly dismissed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid11631972 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 JUDGE}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11631972 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4530740 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 At Suva \par 31}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 st}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7022753\charrsid4530740 May 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4530740 \par }}