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Text;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid1413272962\listsimple{\listlevel \levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat0\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1423379046}}{\*\listoverridetable {\listoverride\listid1423379046\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid1057685\rsid7765356\rsid8655265\rsid12148037}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author user}{\operator blake_r} {\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr17\min8}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr17\min8}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords817}{\nofchars4658}{\*\company }{\nofcharsws5465}{\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\rsidroot1057685 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s16\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 {\cs17\insrsid8655265 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid7765356 3}}}{\cs17\insrsid8655265 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid8655265 \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\pararsid12148037 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 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\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 064 OF 2004 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 BETWEEN: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 VILIKESA KOROIVUATA \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 AND: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1057685\charrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 18th August, 2004 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1057685\charrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 20th August, 2004 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1057685\charrsid12148037 Counsel: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Appellant \endash In Person \par Ms P. Madanavosa - for the State \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 APPEAL JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Introduction \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The appellant was convicted of one charge of robbery with violence and one charge of unlawful use of a motor vehicle by the Magistrates Court at Suva and sentenced on the 24th of Octob er, 2003 to an effective term of 2 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He appeals against sentence. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Particulars of the Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 On the morning of the 18th of September the accused and 3 others had planned a robbery.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 They needed a getaway vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 This appellant, the youn gest of the group, was despatched to flag down a taxi.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He did so and he gave the victim of this crime instructions to drive to Orchid Island near Lami. \par \par The taxi driver was then directed into old Veisari Road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 As the taxi approached the bridge the appellant\rquote s accomplices suddenly appeared at a road blockade they had erected.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The men were all masked.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The group pulled the taxi driver out of the van, bound his hands, legs, mouth and eyes with masking tape and left the victim in the rear of the van.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The robbers drove away.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 Fortunately the taxi driver broke loose of his bonds and made off.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 Two days later while making enquiries at the Police Station the victim recognized one of the robbers, told the police about it and as a result this appellant was caught and caution interviewed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He admitted the offending. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 The Appeal \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 At his first appearance the appellant was advised of his constitutional rights and his ability to make an application for legal aid.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 At his appeal he appeared unrepresented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 In accordance with my earlier directions he had however filed a lengthy hand written letter te}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 lling me about his appeal case.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \par \par He first questioned as to whether his plea was unequivocal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He claimed he was not given his right to a solicitor.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He then raised several points concerning a submission that the sentence was harsh and excessive.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 They are: \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 A failure by the learned Magistrate to consider that he was the first offender. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 A failure by the learned Magistrate to take into account that he was young. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 A failure by the learned Magistrate to take into account that he was much younger than his co-accused. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 A complaint that the sentence imposed was disproportionate to the offence. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 New mitigation primarily that he has mended his ways.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 } {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 His family relies on him for income and that he now wants to lead a discipline moral life. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He pleads that the Court should impose a suspended sentence or a long period of community work. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The State replied in writing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 It was submitted that the accused\rquote s plea was unequivocal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 That he had been given rights to counsel.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 That the sentence was not harsh or excessive. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Decision \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 Violent and armed robberies of taxi drivers are all too frequent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The taxi industry serves this country well.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 It provides a cheap vital link in short and medium haul transport.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 Taxi drivers are particularly exposed to the risk of robbery.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 They are defenceless victims.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The risk of personal harm they take everyday by simply going about their business can only be ameliorated by harsh deterrent sentences that might instill in prospective mugge rs the knowledge that if they hurt or harm a taxi driver they will receive }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 a lengthy term of imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \par \par In Australia the maximum penalty for violent robbery is less then Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 Despite this the Queensland Court of Appeal observed in }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 R v Bowen & Ambrym}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 [1998] QCA 394 (Pincus JA): \par \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12148037 \i\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \'93 A schedule showing comparable sentences for \lquote robbery of a taxi driver\rquote was placed before the court; a reading of that shows that the degree of violence used and extent of injury, if any, caused to the victim is a critical facto r to be taken into account.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The sentences generally ranged from 4 years imprisonment with recommendation for parole after 12 months to 8 years imprisonment.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 \par I find that this appellant\rquote s plea was properly accepted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The charge was read and explained to him and he indicated that he understood it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 There was nothing complicated about the summary of facts or the detail of the offending.} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He chose to take part in a carefully planned and pre-meditated act of violent thuggery.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He equally chose to admit his offending at interview.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 There is nothing in his claim to a lack of representation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 This was offered but declined (page 3 record).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He remained on bail prior to sentencing.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He could have easily made arrangements for counsel but did no do so. \par \par The sentencing decision was brief but considered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The learned Magistrate correctly noted that a custodial sentence was called for and one not only involving punishment of the appellant but also deterrence of others.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 An appropriate discount was given for an early guilty plea, previous good record and young age. \par \par I cannot say that the sentence imposed was harsh and excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 If anything the sentence was lenient.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The appellant pleads he is a young first offender and that his sentence should be suspended.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 He is wrong.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 This was violent offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 It will only be in rare and exceptional circumstances that the Court may be required to consider a suspended term of imprisonment for violent offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 The public need for deterrence will often outweigh the personal needs of a young but violent first offender. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 Conclusion \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12148037 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 Appeal dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid1057685 Gerard Winter \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12148037 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 At Suva \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1057685 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8655265\charrsid12148037 20th August, 2004 \par }}