{\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\i\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qj \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{\s4\qj \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\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 5;}{ \s6\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel5\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs36\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 6;}{\s7\qc \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;}{\*\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 \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Body Text;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid2322062\rsid2440750\rsid8806180\rsid9589913\rsid12137405\rsid16271632} {\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title Ethan Frome}{\author EW/LN/CB}{\keywords Ethan}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr16\min23}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr16\min23}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords985}{\nofchars5615} {\*\company }{\nofcharsws6587}{\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\rsidroot8806180 \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\insrsid2440750 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid2440750 3}}}{\cs16\insrsid2440750 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid2440750 \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\pararsid8806180 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 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\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16271632 CRIMINAL APPEAL CASE NOS.: HAA00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 55, 56 AND 57 OF 2004 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 BETWEEN \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 JOSUA WALILI \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 AND: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180\charrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Appellant \endash in Person \par Mr. N. Lajendra \endash for State \par \par Date of Hear}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180\charrsid8806180 ing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 23rd July, 2004 \par Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180\charrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 4th August, 2004 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Background \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par The appellant pleaded guilty to 4 counts of robbery with violence, 2 counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and 2 counts of driving a motor vehicle without a driving licence. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9589913 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid9589913 Particulars of the Offending \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 The offences were alleged to have been committed between the 28th of April and the 19th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 of July, 2003.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par \par In respect of Appeal 57 of 2004, it is said that in the early hours of the 28th of April, 2003 a 68 year old man and his 65 year old wife were at home asleep in their villa located in Pacific Harbour.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 The appellant and his accomplice broke into the home by removing some louver blades from one of the windows.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They entered the victim\rquote s bedroom.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They were armed with cane knives.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They were wearing balaclavas and gloves. \par \par They woke up the victims, threatened them, demanded money and tied them up.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They then stole approximately $18,000.00 worth of property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They demanded ignition keys to the victim\rquote s Toyota motor vehicle and made off from the scene of the crime in that car.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 No property was recovered. \par \par In respect of Appeal 55 of 2004, the appellant and one other gained entry to another home at Pacific Ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9589913 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 bour late at night.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They were again masked and carried with them cane knives as weapons. \par \par Again they threatened the victims and demanded money.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Again they tied them up.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They stole some $1,750.00 worth of property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 While taking the couples car they were confronted and then assaulted their victim. They fled the scene with their stolen property. \par \par In respect of Appeal 56 of 2004, in the early hours of the 19th of July the appellant and his accomplice broke into the home of an elderly couple at Waidradra, Navua.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Again they were armed with cane knives and they were masked.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Again they threatened their elderly victims, demanded money from them before tying them up and leaving them on the floor.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 This was in the early hours of the morning.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They ransacked the house and took $1,184.00 worth of property.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 They again demanded the keys to the victims motor vehicle and drove off in it.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 The vehicle had an accident, went off the road and landed in a drain.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 The appellant and his accomplice fled the scene. \par \par Its clear when stealing the various motor vehicles and driving them they had no drivers licence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 No property was re covered from any of these armed robberies. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9589913 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid9589913 The Appeal \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9589913 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 The appellant was unrepresented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 He was advised of his rights to representation and legal aid but declined these.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 He elected to proceed with the appeal in person.} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 He had pre-filed a type written notice on the points of his appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 He did not wish to address the Court further. \par \par In his type written statement the appellant says that the 9 year sentence he received was harsh and excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 He was concerned that not enough of a reduction was made to recognize his co-operation and guilty pleas. \par \par He details his poor family background including the fact that he was continuously ill-treated and degraded by his step father.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 That he was compelled to leave school at the age of 10 while in class 5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 That at 17 years old he started to live on the streets and off his wits.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 He says that this unfortunate background led him and his street friends into a life of hardship and crime. \par \par He says he is now in his mid 20s.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 He wants to put his life of crime behind him and return to his family home at Beqa.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 He wants to have the opportunity of becoming a contributing member to his village life while undertaking subsistence farming. \par \par The State filed helpful written submissions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Counsel points to my recent decision of }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Uluikadavu v The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9589913 , Criminal Appeal HAA00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 35 of 2004 and particularly page 5 of that judgment where I said: \par \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Home invasions are a particularly traumatic intrusion into the lives of citizens.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 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\insrsid8806180 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 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\insrsid8806180 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 As such these acts not only affect the lives of their im}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9589913 mediate victims but also instil}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 fear in the whole community creating a siege like mentality. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \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\insrsid8806180 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 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\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 At the very least the victim and society deserve the small comfort of knowing that while incarcerated}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 these home invaders are not free to ply their miserable trade. \par \par Home invasions by multiple accused deserve a starting point of between six to eight years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 This is only a starting point and will need to be adjusted by the application of appropriate, aggravating and mitigating circumstances.\'94 \par \par State\rquote s counsel submits that the sentence was properly constructed. Took into account aggravating and mitigating features and was not harsh or excessive. \par \par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Decision \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9589913 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 It is a sad reality of our society that many unfortunate people come from an impoverished, low educated and abused family background. \par \par It is, however, equally true that not all of those unfortunates resort to a life of crime and continually seek to define their own existence solely by the misery they can wreck on the lives of others.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 \par \par This appellant is a professional thief and home invader.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 It is clear from his pattern of offending th at he targets the weak, frail and elderly in the early hours of the morning and in this spectacular display of bullying and thuggery demands and takes whatever he can lay his hands on. \par \par Repeat recidivist offenders can only expect lengthier terms of imprisonment for their continued offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 The sentence meted out by the learned Magistrate was properly constructed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 It was well balanced and took into account the totality principle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 It was not harsh or excessive.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Repetitive offending of this nature deserved condign separate punishment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8806180 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Hopefully such a stern response will stop your offending and deter others from home invasion. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9589913 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2322062 Conclusion}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid2322062 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8806180 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9589913 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid8806180 Appeal dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9589913 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid9589913 Gerard Winter \par JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9589913 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12137405\charrsid9589913 \par At Suva \par 4th August, 2004 \par }}