{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f173\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;} {\f174\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f176\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f177\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f178\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);} {\f179\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f180\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f181\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; \red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0; \red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\*\cs15 \additive \sbasedon10 \ssemihidden footnote reference;}{ \s16\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1440\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Level 1;}{\s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 \styrsid9264729 header;}{\s18\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 \styrsid9264729 footer;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid0{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0 \levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0 \levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0 \levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat0\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'00;}{\levelnumbers;}}{\listname AutoList1;}\listid1}{\list\listtemplateid0{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0 \leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers \'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0 \levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0 \levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel \levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat0\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'00;}{\levelnumbers;}}{\listname AutoList3;}\listid2}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1\listoverridecount8{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1 \levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel \listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel \levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0 \levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}\ls1} {\listoverride\listid2\listoverridecount8{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat2\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel \listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel \levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0 \levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel \listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}{\lfolevel\listoverridestartat\listoverrideformat{\listlevel \levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}}}\ls2}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid4210481\rsid4665010\rsid6162302\rsid8472197\rsid9264729\rsid10183259\rsid10502902\rsid10552794 \rsid14370165\rsid14835404\rsid14882870\rsid14889789\rsid16465399}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title Formatted}{\author tovosia_r}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2006\mo3\dy29\hr10\min22}{\revtim\yr2006\mo3\dy29\hr10\min22}{\version2} {\edmins1}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1075}{\nofchars6129}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws7190}{\vern16391}}\margl2160\margr2160 \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\rsidroot6162302 \fet0\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6162302\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri-720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin-720\lin0\itap0\pararsid10552794 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid16465399 \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\pararsid9264729 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par }{\b\caps\insrsid9264729\charrsid14889789 At Labasa}{\b\caps\insrsid6162302\charrsid14889789 \par }{\b\caps\insrsid9264729\charrsid14889789 Appellate Jurisdiction}{\b\caps\insrsid6162302\charrsid14889789 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid14889789 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. }{\insrsid14370165 HAA00}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid14889789 34 OF 2001}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid14889789 \par }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid14889789 (Taveuni Mag. Ct. Crim. Case No. 239/01)}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid14889789 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Between: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 PENI LAKABA}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par Appellant \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\b\insrsid9264729 -v-}{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\b\insrsid9264729\charrsid9264729 STAT}{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 E}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par Respondent \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Mr. H. Robinson}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 for Appellant \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\i\insrsid9264729\charrsid9264729 Mr.}{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Bulamainaivalu}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 for Respondent \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 This is an appeal against conviction and sentence of 5 years imprisonment imposed upon the appellant for the offence of }{ \b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 rape}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 contrary to }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 section 149}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 of the }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Penal Code, Cap. 17}{ \insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 by the Magistrate\rquote s Court at Taveuni on 13 August 2001 on his own plea of guilty. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 PENI LAKABA}{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 , on the 15}{\i\super\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 th}{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 day of July, 2001 at Bouma, Taveuni in the Northern Division had unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman namely TOULIA NIULEKA without her consent. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Grounds of Appeal}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The appellant at first filed the Grounds of Appeal in person but later when he was represented by counsel, \lquote further\rquote grounds which are as follows were filed on 14 November 2001: \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 THAT the Learned Trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in convicting the accused in the absence of unequivocal plea of guilty. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 THAT the Learned Trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in entering conviction against the accused in the absence of any evidence that penetration had taken place during the sexual intercourse. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 TH AT the Learned Trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in convicting the accused of the offence when in fact prior to being brought to Court the accused had been influenced and coached by the police officers to admit the charge in Court. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 THAT in the int erest of justice and under revisionary powers of the Court the conviction ought to be set aside and retrial ordered. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 THAT the sentence is harsh and excessive and wrong in principle. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Facts \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The facts as outlined to Court are as follows: \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Victim is a 45 years old, Spinster of Vurevure Settlement in Taveuni.}{\i\insrsid8472197 }{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 On 15/07/01 the accused at about 12.00 midnight went from Bouma Village}{\i\insrsid8472197 to Vurevure. }{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 He knocked at the door of house where victim was sleeping and told the owner of the house that victim\rquote s brother wanted to see her (victim). \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid4210481 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Victim refused to go with accused, as she }{\i\insrsid8472197 was frightened to go with him. }{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Accused entered house and grabbed the victim\rquote s h}{\i\insrsid8472197 ands. Victim started yelling. }{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Two other ladies there but couldn\rquote t do anyth}{\i\insrsid10183259 ing as they tried to stop him. }{ \i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Accused managed to dra}{\i\insrsid10183259 g victim out to a vacant bure. }{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Told victim to remove her clothes. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid4210481 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 He then raped the victim by forcing hi}{\i\insrsid10183259 s erect penis into her vagina. }{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 H}{ \i\insrsid10183259 e forcefully had sex with her. }{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 He then ejaculated inside her vagina.}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The Medical Report on the victim was produced to Court which showed \lquote }{\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 bruising on the (U) thigh medial aspect more than 28 hours old}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \rquote (as per diagram in the Report). \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The}{\insrsid10183259 appellant admitted the facts. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 He is 36 years old and is a first offender and is married with 6 children (4 of whom are in school). \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Appellant\rquote s submission}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Mr. Robinson submitted that the appellant was not given the opportunity to consider the seriousness of the offence and was told by the arre}{ \insrsid10183259 sting Officer to plead guilty. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 He said that an unrepresented person on a serious charge should be told by the Court his rig}{\insrsid10183259 hts under the law. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 He was not asked i}{\insrsid10183259 f he wanted to be represented. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 This is his constitutional right under s}{\insrsid10183259 ection 28 of the Constitution. To Court counsel said }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 tha t although he admitted the facts his plea was }{\insrsid10183259 an \lquote equivocal\rquote plea of guilty. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Counsel said that there was no corroboration of sexual inte}{\insrsid10183259 rcourse in the medical report. }{ \insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 On sentence, if convict}{\insrsid10183259 ed, it is harsh and excessive. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 He said perhaps a retrial could be ordered. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Respondent\rquote s submission}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The learned counsel for the Respondent submitte}{\insrsid10183259 d that this was an unequivocal plea of guilty. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 There was sufficient corroboration particularly when there is admiss}{\insrsid10183259 ion of facts by the appellant. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 On sentence, counsel said th at the sentence is not harsh and excessive because prevalence of an offence is a relevant consideration when sentencing. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Consideration of appeal \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 I have carefully considered the submissions made by both counsel. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 There was nothing wrong in the Magi}{\insrsid10183259 strate\rquote s handling of the case. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The accused was brought before the Court; the charge was put to him; he understood the charge; he admitted the fac}{\insrsid10183259 ts whereupon he was convicted. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 In fact he stated in mitigation t}{\insrsid10183259 hat this was his first offence.}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 He did not make any complaint of any nature to the Magistrate. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 On the facts before the Court it was }{\insrsid10183259 an unequivocal plea of guilty. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The Magistrate was not required in law to do anymore than what he did when th}{\insrsid10183259 e accused appeared before him. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Section 28 of the Const}{\insrsid10183259 itution has no relevance here. }{ \insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 If the Magistrate had any doubt when plea was taken I am sure he would have taken the necessary steps and perha}{\insrsid10183259 ps enter a plea of not guilty. }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The magistrate would have been the best judge of this. The Magistrate had no doubt about the plea. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 In the submission reference was made by the Respondent to }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 s.309 }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 of the }{ \b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Criminal Procedure Code (Cap.}{\b\insrsid4210481 }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 21)}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 which provides: \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\b\i\insrsid10183259\charrsid10183259 \'93(1) }{\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid10183259 No appeal shall be allowed in th}{\b\i\insrsid10183259\charrsid10183259 e case of an accused person who }{\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid10183259 has pleaded guilty and has been convicted on such plea by a Magistrates\rquote Court, except as to the extent or legality of the sentence.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par The Court of Appeal in }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Ram Sami Naidu v. R}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Cr. Appeal 34 of 1984 at p.2 (unreported judgment) dealt with the meaning and}{\insrsid4210481 effect of s.309. }{ \insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 It stated: \par }{\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \'93 ... each case must be dealt with on its own particular facts and there must be an intentional and unequivocal admission of guilty by an accused adequately informed of the substance of the charge or complaint.\'94 We take these closing words from Section 206(1) of the Code under the heading \lquote Accused to be called upon to plead\rquote ...\'94 }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 The Court goes on to say at p.4: \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10183259 {\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \'93What an accus ed person says in explanation or mitigation after he has pleaded may qualify his plea in a way that persuades the Court that it cannot be treated as unequivocal.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Bearing in mind the above passages, it appears that the magistrate did not entertain any dou bt that the plea was equivocal looking at the facts and circumstances of the case. Hence it was not necessary for him to enter a plea of not guilty. It is the factors as stated by Court of Appeal that ought to be taken into account in any case brought b efore the Magistrate and there is a guilty plea and not what is urged by the learned counsel for the appellant in his arguments in support of the appeal. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 There was no qualified admission of guilt on the part of the appellant. On a plea of guilty the following passage in }{ \b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 DPP v. Jolame Pita}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 20 F.L.R. 5 in the }{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Grant A.C.J.}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 is worth noting: \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9264729 {\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \'93 On a plea of guilty to any offence, the question of what is admitted by an accused should be ascertained with certainty; (as) if ... facts are put before a Court or expla nation given which derogate from the plea of guilty or which appear to render equivocal what would otherwise have been an unequivocal plea, then the plea must be changed to one of not guilty and the case set down for hearing.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid14835404 \par }{\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 For these reasons the appeal against conviction fails \par \par As for sentence the offence is a prevalent offence and the Magistrates are right in exercising their full powers. I find the sentence neither harsh nor excessive or wrong in principle. \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10502902 {\b\i\insrsid6162302\charrsid14835404 The appeal is therefore dismissed. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid14835404 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14835404 {\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 D. Pathik \par A}{\b\insrsid14835404 c}{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 tg. }{\b\ul\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 Judge}{\b\insrsid6162302\charrsid9264729 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14835404 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid14835404 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4210481 {\insrsid6162302\charrsid4210481 At Labasa \par 26 February 2002}{\insrsid6162302\charrsid4210481 \par }}