{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;}
{\f36\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0502050508020304}CG Omega{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f170\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f171\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f173\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}
{\f174\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f175\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f176\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f177\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}
{\f178\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f530\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 CG Omega CE{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f534\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 CG Omega Tur{\*\falt Century Gothic};}
{\f537\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 CG Omega Baltic{\*\falt Century Gothic};}}{\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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\b\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{\s2\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{
\s4\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{\s5\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 5;}{\s6\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel5\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 6;}{\s7\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 7;}{\*\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;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar
\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 header;}{\*\cs16 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}{\s17\qj \li720\ri720\sl360\slmult1
\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0 \i\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Block Text;}{\s18\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Body Text;}{\s19\qj \fi720\li0\ri720\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon0 \snext19 Body Text 2;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-1748090020\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 
\fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid207375756}{\list\listtemplateid1195512436\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat16\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1250505134}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid207375756\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid1250505134\listoverridecount0\ls2}}
{\*\rsidtbl \rsid161474\rsid222382\rsid10233238\rsid16061771}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author user}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr11\min52}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr11\min52}
{\printim\yr2004\mo6\dy20\hr17\min10}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1542}{\nofchars8794}{\*\company  }{\nofcharsws10316}{\vern16391}}\margr1440\margb720 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot161474 \fet0
\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
{\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid16061771 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt {\cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid16061771 5}}}{\cs16\insrsid16061771 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid16061771 
\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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 035 OF 2004

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 WAISAKE MATAHAU ULUIKADAVU
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid161474\charrsid222382 Counsel: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Mr. A. Vakaloloma \endash  for the Appellant
\par Ms. K. Bavou \endash  for State
\par 
\par Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid161474\charrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 17th June, 2004
\par Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid161474\charrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 25th June, 2004
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The appellant pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery with violence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 On the 19th of January, 2004 he was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 He appealed against sentence.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Particulars of the Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The summary of facts reveals that on New Year\rquote s Eve 2003 the appellant and one other broke into the complainant\rquote s home at Pacific Harbour.
\par 
\par The appellant went into the bedroom, grabbed the victim by his collar and demanded money.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The victim was then d
ragged from his bed to the sitting room where in response to menacing demand he pointed out a black bag to the robber and his partner in crime.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The bag was stolen.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
The bag contained a mobile phone, $350.00 in Fijian cash, a seiko wrist watch, a brown wallet in all some $870.00 worth of property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The 67 year old victim was understandably shocked and frightened by his home invasion.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The accomplice has not been found.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The Appeal
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 In a written request to appeal the appellant submits:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382\charrsid161474 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 That there is an incorrect application of principle in the sentencing.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
That there is an incorrect application of tariff precedent in that by comparison the instant offence was not as serious as these robberies made with the assistance of weapons.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 That there is an absence of violence or forceful restraint.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
That there is an exaggeration in sentence about the circumstances of the offending in that the victim was not forced out of his bed at 2.00am. 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 That not enough weight was given to the fact that this was the appellant\rquote s first offe
nce or the early guilty plea.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 At Appeal
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 At appeal the accused was represented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
His counsel provided helpful written submissions and spoke to those.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
He emphasized that the absence of weapons and injury to the victim clearly placed this offending in a less culpable category of robbery.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par 
\par Counsel made reference to a number of decisions contending that other persons who had committed similar offences received lighter penalties.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 He argued on the principle of parity that 8 years in prison was therefore too harsh a penalty. 
\par 
\par Counsel claimed that the learned Magistrate did not appropriately take into account several mitigating features including the youth of the appellant, the fact that he was a first offender and his immediate acknowledgement of responsibility and early plea.

\par 
\par Counsel accepted the prevalence of the crime of home invasion and forthrightly acknowledged several aggravating features of this crime.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 He conceded that the tariff decisions he referred to ranging from 1988 to 1992 while reflecting a senten
cing pattern of 3 years imprisonment for similar offending were nonetheless dated, stale and lacked relevance to present sentencing circumstances. 
\par 
\par Counsel also conceded that the absence of physical injury to the victim was counterbalanced by the psychological and emotional trauma of home invasion.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Counsel agreed that a deterrent sentence was called for.
\par 
\par For the State Ms. Bavou provided helpful written submissions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
Counsel made a proper concession that a sentence of 8 years imprisonment on the facts of this case was \'93slightly\'94 excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
However, the State submitted that home invasion cases are particularly serious and that a lengthy custodial sentence was inevitable.
\par 
\par When addressing the Court, counsel concentrated on two decisions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The recent Court of Appeal decision of }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Singh and Others v The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474  AAU00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 8 of 2000S Sheppard, Gallen and Ellis JA Judgment dated Friday the 19th of March, 2004 and also a decision by my brother Justice Gates in }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The State v Lebobo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474  HAC0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 16.02S a criminal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 appeal heard in the Fiji
 High Court in Suva on the 6th and 7th of April this year.
\par 
\par In }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Singh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474  the Court of Appeal had an opportunity to review sentencing tariffs for robbery.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 They were there dealing with a planned armed robbery of a bank.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The offenders were armed with pinch bars and cane knives.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
They got away with $74,000.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The bank staff were terrorized by the robbers.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Only $11,070.00 was recovered from the crime.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
Each appellant had previous convictions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The Court approved the Sentencing Judges approach.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The Court accepted the relevance of two New Zealand decisions }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 R. v Moananui}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474  1983 NZLR 537 and }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 R. v Marco}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474  2002 NZLR 170.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
These Tariff decisions of the New Zealand Court of Appeal are tempered by the difference in the available sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
The maximum penalty in Fiji being life imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The Court said at page 13:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid222382 \i\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \'93\'85\'85
\'85For arriving at a starting point a combination of factors is significant for the purposes of this case it is enough to say the Court held that starting points for serious armed robbery of commercial premises start at 6 or more years.}{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Where there is a greater risk of harm or actual violence used the starting point was said to be 8 years or more.}{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The Court noted that in the case of a very serious armed robbery a starting point of about 10 years would be appropriate.\'94 

\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par The Court of Appeal did comment that these were starting points and no more than that.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
The Court noted that the appropriate penalty must always depend on the impact of the significant facts of each case.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
Sentences of 10 years for the principal offender and 8 years for their assistants were upheld.
\par 
\par In }{\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Lebobo}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
 my brother Justice Gates sentenced a truly bad home invader who meted out a heartless, cruel, prolonged and unnecessary beating of an old man and rape of his wife.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 His honour marked the robbery offending with a sentence of 10 years imprisonment.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Decision
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
In effect the appellant is submitting to the Court that the sentence was wrong in principle as the starting point was too high and therefore the length of the jail term was unduly harsh and excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 I agree.
\par 
\par The facts of the matter are that two men late at night invaded the home of a 67-year old gentleman.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 They frightened him.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The appellant grabbed the old man about the neck, forced him from his bed and demanded money.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 In this regard I concur with the learned Magistrate that the crime was senseless and unwarranted.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 It was committed without mercy or thought.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 It was also selfish, thuggish and deserving of high condemnation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Criminals will learn that home invasion will be met with stern prison sentences.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Home Invasion
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Singh and Lebobo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
 decisions (supra) set appropriate tariffs for offending of this sought in relation to Home Invasion.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
I concur with my brother Justice Gates comment at paragraph 12 in }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Lebobo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 :
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid222382 \i\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \'93
It is plain that the community in Fiji is increasingly concerned at crimes committed during \'93home invasions\'94.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
By these sentences the Courts must strive to protect all persons in their homes.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
But the Courts must take an even stronger line with crimes committed against vulnerable persons in their homes such as the young or the old, the weak or the infirm\'94.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
Home invasions are a particularly traumatic intrusion into the lives of citizens.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
The most striking feature of these episodes is the sheer terror to its victims. They are set upon within the apparent safety of a private dwelling by complete strangers.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 These unjustified acts of terrorism by intruders within the home invade the family sanctuary and violate the sense of security that lies at the heart of each home.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 As such these acts not only affect the lives of their i}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382 mmediate victims but also insti
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 l fear in the whole community creating a siege like mentality.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par Entry into dwellings at night and assaults upon occupants must draw stern sentences to reflect society\rquote s attitude to such conduct.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 In sentencing offenders for home invasions the Courts have always recognized the sanctity of the home and have insisted that violence occurring in a person\rquote 
s house is to be treated as an extreme aggravating factor calling for a higher sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 At the very least
 the victim and society deserve the small comfort of knowing that while incarcerated}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
these home invaders are not free to ply their miserable trade.
\par 
\par However, in my view a starting point of 10 years imprisonment for this offending was too high.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 In }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Valui (supra)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474  a 9 year sentence was reduced to 7 years because of an early and genuine plea of guilty.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 In }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Bainibalavu,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474  it was said that eight years imprisonment is a valid starting point for violent robbery.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Home invasions by multiple accused deserve a starting point of between six to eight years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 This is only a starting point and will need to be adjusted by the application of appropriate, aggravating and mitigating circumstances.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 This offending was in the mid range of home invasion, no weapons were use
d and accordingly a starting point of 7 years would have been appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The aggravating features applicable in this case are:

\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The age of the victim; 67 years.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The fact that he lives alone.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The use of violence as the victim was grabbed by the collar and taken from his bed.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The terror, psychological and emotional harm accompanying home invasion at night by multiple accused.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Limited property recovered.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par I would add two years to the starting point for these aggravating features.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid161474 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 However, balanced out against those aggravating features are the mitigating factors such as:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s7 \f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard\plain \s7\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang
{\pntxtb \'b7}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
Co-operation with the police.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s7 \f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard\plain \s7\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang
{\pntxtb \'b7}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
An early plea of guilt at the first opportunity.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s7 \f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard\plain \s7\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang
{\pntxtb \'b7}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
A first offender with no previous convictions.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s7 \f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard\plain \s7\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang
{\pntxtb \'b7}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 No weapons used.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s7 \f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard\plain \s7\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnstart16\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang
{\pntxtb \'b7}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid222382 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
The youth of the offender who at 21 years of age needs the hope of a sentence that is short enough to see him habilitated and returned to his community for a more useful existence.
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par In my view the best mitigation is an early guilty plea.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 Courts have often recognized that sparing victims the agony 
of re-living their terror through the process of an adversarial trial deserves full recognition.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
In addition the assistance to the due process of justice and sparing the expense of trial deserves some discount.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
The offender used no weapons in the crime.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 He is a young first offender.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 By his plea he has maturely expressed proper remorse.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
For these reasons I see a discount of 3 years as being appropriate.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Conclusion
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382\charrsid222382 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 The result is that the sentence in the Court below of 8 years imprisonment is quashed.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid222382  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 I substitute a sentence of 6 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par }\pard \s19\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Gerard Winter
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 JUDGE
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid222382 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid161474 
\par At Suva
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10233238\charrsid222382 Friday 25th June, 2004
\par }}