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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LABASA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 6 OF 2002
\par (Taveuni Mag. Ct. Crim. Case No. 330/01)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 LASARO BOLE
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 v.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 STATE
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par Ms. M. Waqavonovono for the Appellant
\par Mr. J. Rabuku for the State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126\charrsid1336126 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par This is an appeal against conviction and sentence.
\par 
\par I had given a short judgment on this appeal on 26 August 2002, the day of the hearing, and stated that reasons will be given later.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
This I now do.
\par 
\par In the Magistrate\rquote s Court at Labasa the appellant was charged with the offence of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 larceny of cattle}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  contrary to }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 section 275 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 of the Penal Code, Cap. 17.
\par 
\par The Particulars of Offence reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Lepani Temo and Lasoro Bole on the 1}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 st}
{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  day of November, 2001 at Vatuwiri Estate, Taveuni in the Northen Division stole a heifer valued at $300.00, the property of the said Vatuwiri Estate.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 On 12 November 2001 he was sentenced to imprisonment for two years.
\par 
\par He now appeals.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 grounds}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  of appeal are as follows:
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Appeal Against Conviction}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1336126 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 THAT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  the Learned Magistrate er
red in law when he convicted the Appellant for larceny of cattle, contrary to Section 275 of the Penal Code, Cap. 17, on a defective charge.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1336126 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 THAT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
 the Summary of Facts produced by the prosecution did not prove the charge of larceny of cattle, contrary to Section 275 of the Penal Code, Cap. 17.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Appeal against Sentence}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1336126 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 THAT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
 the Learned Magistrate erred in law when he did not grant the Appellant any opportunity to mitigate after entering a conviction and before pronouncing sentence against him in this case.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1336126 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 THAT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
 sentence of two years imprisonment imposed on the charge of larceny of cattle, contrary to Section 275 of the Penal Code, Cap. 17 is harsh and excessive in all the circumstances of this case, and is disproportionately severe treatment.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Ms. M. Waqavo
novono of the Legal Aid Commission appeared for the appellant and made submissions on his behalf with which I entirely agree.
\par 
\par The learned counsel for the State concedes the appeal against both conviction and sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 He agrees that the proceedings are a nullity.

\par 
\par Mr. Rabuku submitted that this is a clear case of \lquote }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 bad recording}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \rquote  in the Magistrate\rquote s Court.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 There is no record of charge having been read and explained to the accused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 No opportunity was given to him to speak in mitigation before passing sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 He said that the sentence is on the high side and in the past 12 months\rquote  imprisonment has been imposed by this Court for this type of offence.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Consideration of the appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par 
\par The arguments in this appeal have been very well put by Ms. Waqavonovono and I adopt them here.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Section 309}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Criminal Procedure Code }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 CPC}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 ) provides for appeal against sentence only.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 This was an equivocal plea of guilty by an }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 unrepresented}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  accused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
There is nothing in the Record to show that the accused understood the charge if it was read to him.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
In such situation the Fiji Court of Appeal allows appeal against conviction to be entertained (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Michael Iro v R, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
C.A. 12 F.L.R. 104 and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Kuruka Bogiwalu & Another v State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 ,}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 unreported, Cr. App. No. 6/96S followed in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
Peni Varawa & Others v The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 , unreported, Cr. App. No. 2/02).}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 It is clear from the Record of the Magistrate\rquote s Court herein that the charge was not put to the accused at all.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 This was a serious error on the part of the learned Magistrate as it contravenes }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 s206(1)}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  of CPC which provides:
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \'93}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
The substance of the charge or complaint shall be stated to the accused person by the court and he shall be asked whether he admits or denies the truth of the charge}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 I fail to understand why such a glaring and fatal error was made on the part of an experienced Magistrate.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
When I became a First Class Magistrate (now called Resident Magistrate) in 1972 I adopted the following format in every criminal case which came before me which prevented such an error as the above being made:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Charge read and explained & understood
\par Plea:
\par Facts outlined
\par Facts admitted
\par Convicted as charged.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 In this case not only the charge was not put to the accused, but the facts were}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 not even outlined in the usual and proper manner to enable the accused to properly understand whatever facts were stated.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 These facts did not make out the charge.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
The summary of facts refer to removal of the hind legs of a heifer and leaving the animal to die.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 However, the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 statement of offence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126  reads \'93}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 larceny of cattle}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \'94 and the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 particulars of offence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
 refer to the appellant (with his co-Defendant) as having stolen a heifer valued at $300.00.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
It is clear that there is uncertainty in the charge as it could be that the appellant admitted the lesser charge under s323 of the Penal Code which deals with the injury of animals.
\par 
\par In the circumstances of this case the following extract from the judgment in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Bogiwalu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
 (supra, p5) is apt and s309(1) will not apply:
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 \'93}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
If it can be demonstrated that an unrepresented accused has pleaded guilty in a manner that is 
in any way equivocal or uncertain, or that the accused entered the plea when he did not have a full understanding of the effect of the plea, namely that he was admitting that he committed the offence with which he has been charged, an appeal against convi
ction may be entertained despite the guilty plea.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
In that event, s 309(1) will not apply, because there has not been an effective and binding plea of guilty.\'94}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par In view of my findings on \lquote conviction\rquote  I do not need to consider the appeal on \lquote sentence\rquote  suffice it to say that there is merit in Mr. Rabuku\rquote s observation on this aspect.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Hence I shall not deal with the matter of \lquote sentence\rquote .
\par 
\par In the outcome, for the above reasons the appeal succeeds.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 The entire proceedings is declared a nullity.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 The conviction entered and sentence passed on the appellant in the Magistrate\rquote 
s Court are quashed because errors of law discussed in this judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 D. Pathik
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 Judge}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 
\par At Labasa
\par }\pard \ql \fi-2160\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid1336126 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14639053\charrsid1336126 18 September 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1336126\charrsid1336126 
\par }}