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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 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\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.: HAA}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 66 OF 2004
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 ROMIT ADWIN CHAND
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 AND:
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9503938 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Mr. P. Sharma \endash  for Appellant
\par Mr. D. Prasad \endash  for State
\par 
\par Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 23rd July, 2004
\par Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 4th August, 2004
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Introduction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9503938 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid9503938 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The appellant is aged eighteen (18).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 He was charged with an offence of housebreaking, entering and larceny [Section 300(A)] of the Penal Code (Cap.17).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The particulars of that offence are largely that on the 10th of April in the morning he went to his grandmother
\rquote s house, found it vacant, gained entry by removing louver blades and stole various items.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
He was later arrested, interviewed and admitted the thefts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 All property was recovered.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 He has reconciled with his grandmother.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
He appeared in the Magistrates Court on the 2nd of June, 2004 and pleaded guilty to the charge.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
He was sentenced on the same day to 9 months imprisonment.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The Appeal
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131\charrsid8479131 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The appellant is represented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
The petition lists some four grounds.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The appeal was originally against conviction and sentence.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
However, the appellant withdrew the appeal against conviction and elected to proceed only with the appeal against sentence.
\par 
\par In essence the appellant submits that the sentence of 9 months imprisonment was wrong in principle and harsh and excessive in all the circumstances.
\par 
\par In reliance on the well worn sentencing bible by the learned author D.A. Thomas, it is argued that special care and attention needs to be taken in sentencing young first offenders.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
Counsel submits that the Court is generally willing to consider a rehabilitative measure wherever there seems to be a reasonable chance of rehabilitative success with a young first offender.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 It is further submitted that Sentences of impriso
nment for young offenders are for the most part reserved for those who have already undergone some form of earlier criminal sanction or committed a violent offence.
\par 
\par Counsel supports his argument by reference to the Criminal High Court decision from Labasa of }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Jai Chand and Ram Brij v State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 , Criminal Appeal No. 5 of 1998 (Pathik J.).
\par 
\par That case involved young offenders who were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for office breaking and larceny.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
At appeal my learned brother Judge set aside the original sentence and substituted a suspended sentence of imprisonment.
\par 
\par The appellant now seeks a suspended sentence and at best a \'93binding over\'94 that might avoid a conviction against the name of one so young.
\par 
\par Appellant\rquote s counsel filed helpful written submissions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The State\rquote 
s position was supported by written submissions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
The State did not strongly oppose the sentencing appeal but submitted that a simple \'93binding over\'94 was too lenient.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 The decision in the Court below}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131\charrsid8479131 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 As I observed when considering bail for this appellant the learned Magistrate\rquote s very brief decision in the court below was in error in a number of respects.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
Now that the conviction appeal has been abandoned the only relevant comment is that there is no indication on the record of the proper construction of an appropriate sentence.
\par 
\par At the time I made that comment I did not have the full court record.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
I have now been supplied with additional information by way of a record of the learned Magistrate\rquote s consideration of the appellant\rquote s application for bail.
\par 
\par It is important to note that the learned Magistrate observed, when considering the question of bail pending appeal, that the full mitigation was not before him at the time of sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 He records that missing information as being the fact that the items stipulated in the charge were all recovered and that the complainant was the accused\rquote 
s own grandmother who had reconciled with him.
\par 
\par He does, however, go on to observe that he doubts such information would have made any difference to the sentence as he considered \'93an attack on the grandmother\rquote s property as an aggravating factor\'94.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 I have to disagree with the learned Magistrate.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
In my view on any reasonable assessment of these facts it was a fair inference that this young first offender was acting out and in some way rebelling against the strictures of his family circumstances.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Therein lies his culpability.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 It is a fair inference that this offending occurred to mark his disrespect for the family not necessarily to steal from his grandmother and thereby brand himse
lf as a thief for the rest of his life.
\par 
\par The fact that all of the property was recovered and that he reconciled his differences with the family so that they now strongly support him must mean that his culpability for the offending has been expunged.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 This places him in the very lowest category of culpabil}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 
ity for this type of offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Decision
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131\charrsid8479131 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 My learned sister Justice Sha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 meem in Criminal Appeal No. HAA00}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 39}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 2004 }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Navuso v The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 , had occasion to consider the impact of remorse and forgiveness on the sentencing process.

\par 
\par Justice Shameem was there dealing with a housebreaking entering and larceny where items of considerably more value than here were stolen by an appellant who had known his victim and been friendly with him for the previous six years.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 When discovered the appellant totally co-operated with the police.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 All the items were recovered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The appellant pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Although he was 19 years old he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 He appealed.
\par 
\par Her Honour first noted that the correct tariff for offences of housebreaking entering and larceny lie between 2 to 3 years (}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Malaki Tuisoba v the State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 , Criminal Appeal No. HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 098 of 2002S).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Her Honour thought a starting point of 2 years was justifiable.
\par 
\par However, the appellant was entitled to a considerable discount for his age, the fact that he had never served a term in prison, his guilty plea, his assistance in the recovery of goods and his reconciliation with the complainant.
\par 
\par In relation to that last fact the appellant had expressed shame and remorse and apologized to the complainant through his mother.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The complainant in return had sent a message of forgiveness to the appellant.
\par 
\par The appellant had previous convictions including one for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Her Honour imposed a reduced sentence of 9 months imprisonment.
\par 
\par I adopt the principles expressed in this judgment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
The significant difference between Mr. Navuso and Mr. Chand is that this appellant has no previous convictions and because of the nature and circumstance of the offence is less culpable then Mr. Navuso.
\par 
\par I echo the sentiments of my sister Justice; it is unfortunate that such a young offender is convicted of an offence in circumstances such as this.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The burden of being branded a thief will be carried with him for the rest of his life.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 He will forever have to explain why that bad mark is made against his name.
\par 
\par The prime issue for my consideration is whether a sentence of 9 months imprisonment is however harsh and excessive for a charge of larceny.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 It is not.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
I cannot agree that the term of imprisonment is excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
As I have said in other decisions on a sentence appeal it is wrong in principle to \'93fiddle\'94 with a sentence by partial reduction simply because it doesn\rquote t seem fair.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The correct approach is to consider whether it is harsh and excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 If I cannot be persuaded that is so then the duration of the penalty must be left intact.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 That is the position I find myself in here.
\par 
\par The real issue is whether or not that sentence should be suspended.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 For clear and obvious reason it must be.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Amongst those reasons are:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 1.\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
The youth of the offender.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid9503938 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 2.\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
The circumstance of the offending.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid9503938 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 3.\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 The remor}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 se and apology of the offender.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid9503938 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8479131 4.\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
The acceptance of the apology by not only his grandmother but his family and their complete reunion with him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
They support him at this appeal.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9503938 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid9503938 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
In my view these are circumstances special enough to warrant the suspension of this sentence of imprisonment.
\par 
\par Accordingly, the sentence in the court below is quashed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 I substitu
te a sentence of 9 months imprisonment but suspend that term of imprisonment for one year.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9503938\charrsid8479131  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
I record that the effect of a suspended sentence has been explained to the appellant in Court.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 Gerard Winter
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8479131 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039323\charrsid8479131 
\par At Suva
\par 4th August, 2004
\par }}