{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}
{\f36\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0502050508020304}CG Omega{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f171\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f172\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f174\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}
{\f175\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f176\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f177\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f178\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}
{\f179\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f531\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 CG Omega CE{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f535\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 CG Omega Tur{\*\falt Century Gothic};}
{\f538\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\qr \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\qr \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{
\s4\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\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\ql \li0\ri0\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 \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 7;}{\s8\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel7\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 8;}{\*\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;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid664840822\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0
\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid548810601}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid548810601
\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid13780533\rsid13912655\rsid15033552\rsid16532948}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IIN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author user}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr15\min35}
{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr15\min35}{\printim\yr2004\mo6\dy21\hr18\min8}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1576}{\nofchars8986}{\*\company  }{\nofcharsws10541}{\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\rsidroot15033552 
\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\insrsid13780533 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt {\cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid13780533 4}}}{\cs16\insrsid13780533 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid13780533 
\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\pararsid16532948 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 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\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
049 OF 2004
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 SHAVINESH KUMAR}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15033552\charrsid16532948 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 f/n Ram Karan
\par Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15033552\charrsid15033552  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Mr. M. Raza - for the Appellant
\par Mr. P. Bulamainaivalu - for the State
\par 
\par Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15033552\charrsid15033552  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 17th June, 2004
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15033552\charrsid15033552 Date of Judgment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 25th June, 2004
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par The appellant pleaded guilty and was convicted on the 17th of March of this year to one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (Section 24}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 5 of the Penal Code, Cap. 17).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par 
\par The particulars of this offending are that on the 15th of February the appellant was at home.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 He was drunk.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
In the early morning the appellant; who was the brother-in-law of the victim; asked his sister-in-law to have sex with him and she declined.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 He then punched her ten to fifteen times about the face and body.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 When admitted for medical examination the victim complained not only about those punches but that after she fell down she was kicked in the stomach, the lower back and nape of the neck.

\par 
\par Her injuries were consistent with the described assault.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
In particular she had six 3cm bruises about the face; in the mouth, left cheek and neck.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
She also had associated tenderness in the lower part of her body.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 These soft tissue injuries were found by the doctor to be 
consistent with blunt blows.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 She did not require hospitalization but was prescribed bed rest and pain relief.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s7\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Grounds of Appeal
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The appellant was represented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
He filed grounds of appeal:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 \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\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 That the learned Magistrate erred in Law and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 in fact by failing to promote reconciliation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948\charrsid15033552 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 \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\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 A failure by the Magistrate to ensure proper legal representation for the appellant.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948\charrsid15033552 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 \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\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 An error in Law by the Magistrate in imposing a custodial sentence which was excessive and harsh.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 The Appeal
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 At appeal there were no points or authorities provided in advance of the hearing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 However, Mr. Raza on behalf of the appellant enlarged the grounds of appeal by oral submission.
\par 
\par It was submitted that the learned Magistrate should have promoted reconciliation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 However, counsel confirmed t
hat the young appellant and his family had not reconciled.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The appellant had done nothing to apologise or make amends for the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  assaults on his sister-in-law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par 
\par Counsel further submitted that the learned Magistrate failed to reconcile the summary of facts with the mitigation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
It was submitted that such a failure meant the sentence was ill founded.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
In particular counsel submitted that because of a high degree of provocation the assault was somehow justified.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
It was submitted that the victim sister-in-law recently separated from her husband had a male guest to the family home.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
It was submitted that it was a grave insult to the family that she did so. It was said the beating occurred because this young man was so provoked he lost self-control.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 I find absolutely no merit in that argument.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
It does not excuse the appellant\rquote s behaviour in any way.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
It certainly does not justify the savage and brutal beating this drunk young man gave his sister-in-law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
There was proper consideration of the excuses offered in mitigation but these were rejected.
\par 
\par Counsel then submitted that the learned Magistrate had failed to properly consider the youth and potential of the appellant particularly bearing in mind that he was a successful student at the Fiji Institute of Technology about to 
complete his courses in Automotive Engineering and Road Transport.
\par 
\par It was argued that in those circumstances the general policy was to try to avoid a sentence of imprisonment for young first offenders otherwise gain fully employed or pursuing higher education.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Mavoa v State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552  was cited in support of this principle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 
 (HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 068}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 2000).
\par 
\par Counsel referred to other cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 In particular he sought to rely on }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The State v Cavubati}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 , HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 080 of 2001S.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The accused in }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Cavubati}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552  meted out far greater violence to his victim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 He caused considerable injury.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
The violence was described as brutal and sustained resulting in fractures and other injuries that required re-constructive dental and plastic surgery. At first instance Cavubati was given a suspended sentence.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 In my view this sentence was correctly quashed on appeal and substituted with an immediate}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 custodial term of 6 months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The case went further to the Supreme Court and there the sentence was quashed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par 
\par A close reading of the Supreme Court Judgment indicates that the merits of the case were not considered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
The decision was based on a technical argument only.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
For these reasons I do not appreciate that this decision assists the appellant much at all.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par 
\par I do, however, accept the principle that a combination of youth, good character and a bright future can in some circumstances lead to a suspended sentence.
\par 
\par Mr. Bulamainaivalu on behalf of the State submitted that it is not in every case that a judge was required to promote reconciliation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Referring to the section he indicated that where there was serious violence the Court has a discretion as to whether or not to promote reconciliation.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 He submitted that clearly in this Case the learned Magistrate was of the view that there was serious violence.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 I accept that view.
\par 
\par Concerning the fact that the accused was unrepresented he submits that the appellant was given his various rights and waived the right to counsel and that the judicial officer did everything appropriately for an unrepresented accused.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 I accept that submission.
\par 
\par Finally the State submitted on the basis of the decision of }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Joseph and The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 , HAA0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 30 of 2004S, that this sentence was not harsh and excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 In }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Joseph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
 the young accused pleaded guilty to using a pen knife during an assault causing a 4cm long and 1cm deep cut on the right little finger of the victim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 She received an immediate 6 month prison sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  This was upheld on appeal.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 Decision
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 In his judgment the learned Magistrate clearly considered the facts and the attached medical report.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The appellant was able to make a full plea in mitigation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
That was properly noted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 It is difficult to conceive of more that could have been said on behalf of the young offender.
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate then goes on to note the seriousness of the offence and the maximum available penalty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
Although he does not create a starting point and then add aggravating features he nonetheless develops a sentencing culpability and marks that with the comment that he would ordinarily give such an offender 18 months imprisonment.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The learned Ma
gistrate then goes on to deduct 12 months from that term to reflect the guilty plea and the fact that the appellant was a first offender.
\par 
\par I can see nothing wrong in principle with the construction or delivery of this sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The issue is whether the sen
tence is harsh and excessive as to the duration of imprisonment or its immediacy.
\par 
\par I do not view the term of imprisonment as excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 In }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Joseph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552  a penknife was used and this resulted in the young offender receiving a term of 6 months imprisonment.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 While i
t is true that Joseph used a penknife in her assault and this appellant used his fists in reality I see little difference between the two assaults particularly as to their victim outcomes.
\par 
\par In }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Joseph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552  there was one cut.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 In this case the appellant admitted punching his sister-in-law ten to fifteen times.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The medical reports confirmed that these punches were about the face and upper body.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The victim complained of kicking as well.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 This appellant
\rquote s drunken beating was in my view as serious an assault as that of the penknife wound in }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Joseph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 .

\par 
\par A deduction of 6 months for an early plea equates to roughly a third of the properly constructed sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
That seems appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Deduction of a further 6 months to allow for the youth and good character of the offender, aga
in roughly a third of the constructed sentence seems appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
I am therefore satisfied that the six month term imposed is not excessive, nor wrong in principle.
\par 
\par My sister Justice Shameem in her criminal appeal decision of }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 The State and Naqu & Others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 , HAA0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 023 of 2003S (July 2003) addressed the issue of suspended sentences in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 I adopt from page 28 of that decision where her Honour expressed concern at the overuse of suspended sentences.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Her Honour noted that in 1991 Tuivaga C.J. issued a circular me
morandum to all judicial officers saying that the suspended sentence should not be used in cases of violence and other nominated categories of offences unless there were exceptional circumstances.
\par 
\par Her honour went to note the useful considerations regarding suspended sentences found in }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 R v}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Petersen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552  [1994] 2 NZLR 533 and quoted from Grant CJ in }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 DPP v Jolame Pita}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552  20 FLR 5:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16532948 \i\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 \'93
Once a Court has reached the decision that a sentence of imprisonment is warranted there must be special circumstances to justify a susp
ension. Such as an offender of comparatively good character who was not considered suitable in need of probation and who commits a relatively isolated offence of a moderately serious natu}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 
re but not involving violence.\'94}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par I too adopt this principle.
\par 
\par Violent offenders must always expect immediate custody as the prime sentencing option.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 This meets society\rquote 
s demand that such offenders be punished, personally deterred and that others may learn by such a public lesson that the use of violence in a civilized society will not be tolerated.
\par 
\par I accept the principle that young promising first offenders need the opportunity of avoiding the totally crushing experience of a fully custodial sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 However, to suspend a term of immediate imprisonment for a violent offender is wrong in principle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 In some rare and exceptional circumstances of the offence the Court may be moved to suspend.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Regrettably there are no such circumstances here.
\par 
\par I find this was a drunken beating by a man against a woman.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 He used his power and domi
nance to punch her about the face and upper body.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
He admitted in Court as part of his mitigation that he punched her some 10 to 15 times.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
That description of the beating alone would have been sufficient for the Court to impose an immediate custodial term.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
However, the victim goes on to describe in her medical report that she was kicked while she lay on the ground.
\par 
\par At 21 years of age this young man should have known better.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 He has let himself, his family and his society down.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 He must be punished and in accordance with proper principle as a violent offender he must serve a term of imprisonment.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 He and others must learn this harsh lesson.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 In my view it would offend proper sentencing principle to suspend the sentence of imprisonment and accor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16532948 dingly the appeal i
s dismissed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid15033552 Gerard Winter
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16532948 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 At Suva
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15033552 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13912655\charrsid16532948 Friday 25th June, 2004
\par }}