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{\author EW/LN/CB}{\keywords Ethan}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr10\min24}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr17\min7}{\printim\yr2004\mo8\dy18\hr21\min59}{\version3}{\edmins2}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1384}{\nofchars7895}{\*\company  }
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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.: HAA}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14693011\charrsid15997464 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 065 OF 2004
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 BETWEEN:
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 PENIASI QALIJONA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 Appellant
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 Respondent
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14693011\charrsid15997464  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 Appellant \endash  In Person
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693011 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 Mr. P. Bulamainaivalu \endash  for State
\par 
\par Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14693011\charrsid15997464  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 11th August, 2004
\par Date of Decision:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14693011\charrsid15997464  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 20th August, 2004}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 

\par 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 Introduction
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\par The appellant was charged with two counts of robbery with violence and convicted by the Suva Magistrates Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
He was sentenced on the 15th of October, 2003 to 4 years imprisonment in respect of each robbery.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
Those terms to be served consecutively.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 A total of 8 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 He appeals against the sentence.
\par 
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 The accused and others went to the Supreme Fuel Limited Service Station on the 9th of October, 2003 armed with a pistol.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 Whilst this appellant kept look out the Manager was threatened and the station robbed of cash and cheques to the value of $4,164.60. 
\par 
\par In the course of the robbery the robbers also threatened two employees of the service station with violence and demanded cash from them.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 They took $400.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
\par 
\par After investigation and enquiry the appellant admitted the offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 Cheques worth $403.66 were recovered.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 The complainants received no injuries.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 The Appeal
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 At his appearance before me the appellant was reminded of his constitutional rights to be represented by a lawyer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 He was also advised of his ability to make an application for legal aid.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 He appeared unrepresented at the hearing but elected to proceed with it based on comprehensive written submissions he had filed in Court.
\par 
\par The petition of appeal includes grounds that the guilty plea was equivocal; that the appellant was unrepresented by counsel and the court should have conducted a disputed facts hearing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 These grounds were abandoned at hearing in preference for a concentrated submission that the sentence was harsh, excessive and wrong in principle.
\par 
\par In written submissions supplied in advance of the appeal hearing the appellant supports his sentencing appeal with the following matters:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \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\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 A lack of parity with co-accused that have a long string of previous convictions.
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\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 A claim that he was a minor offender when compared with the other accused.
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\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \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\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 A lack of respect for the totality principle and in effect an argument the sentences should have 
been served concurrently not consecutively.
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\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 A lack of respect for an early guilty plea.
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\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 A re-emphasized mitigation that this is the first imprisonable offence the appellant has faced.
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\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\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\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 That he is otherwise of previous good behaviour.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 7.\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\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 That he is needed by his family to support them.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 8.\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\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 That he has seen the error of his ways and wishes to get out of jail as soon as possible.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 9.\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\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 That the sentence lacked comparative relevance to other sentences for similar crimes.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693011 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
\par At appeal the appellant added a further ground in mitigation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
He said that after his sentencing he was approached by the State and asked to give evidence against his co-accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
He says that the people that approached him said that if he signed a statement against his co-accused and gave evidence in Court in accordance with that statement that his overall prison term would be reduced to one of 5 years in jail.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 He says he agreed to this proposition.
\par 
\par He further states that he was taken to Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 He initially thought for the purpo
ses of his appeal and to honour the bargain he thought he had struck concerning the reduction of his overall sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
However, when he got to Court he found that it was in fact the criminal trial against his co-accused, that was on; not his appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 He says that he was in that process handcuffed and left alone with the co-accused in the same cell and was beaten up and threatened by them.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 He says despite the attitude of his co-accused he gave evidence anyway and he assisted the State in securing a conviction.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
He says since that time his co-accused have been remanded to the same prison as he and that he is in continual fear because of their threats against him.
\par 
\par For the State Mr. Bulamainaivalu, although he did not have carriage of the prosecution against the co-accused, was able to confirm that this appellant did indeed consent after sentence to assist the State in securing a conviction against the co-accused.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 Counsel confirms that that evidence was given and it did in fact result in a conviction.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
\par 
\par Regrettably, counsel was unable to assist me further with any comment upon any inducement made to the appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
However, for very good policy reasons even if that were so it would not influence me on the sentencing appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
In fact I would go so far as to say that it would be irresponsible for any representative of the State to hold out such inducement to a potential witness.
\par 
\par Counsel had otherwise prepared written submissions and rested on those submissions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
Counsel sought to emphasize that the sentencing Judge was quite able to impose separate and consecutive penalties for this offending as each individual act of robbery was distinct.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 He says that overall the totality principle was respected.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
It was submitted that a sentence of 8 years imprisonment for an armed robbery of a service station is not harsh and excessive.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 Decision
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693011 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15997464 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 In the }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 State v Cava}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15997464 , Criminal Case HAC0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 007 of 2000 my sister Justice Shameem offered valuable comment on guidelines for sentencing in robbery with violence cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 At page 8 of her decision the learned Justice says:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15997464 \i\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \'93
Sentences for robberies involving firearms should range from six to eight years.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
A lower range of four to seven years is appropriate where firearms are not used and the premises robbed are banks, or shops, post offices or service stations.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 However, the sentence may be higher where the victim or victims are particularly vulnerable due to age, infirmity, disability or where children are involved.}{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 Similarly where injuries are caused in the course of the robbery, a higher sentence will be justified.}{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 The value of the property stolen, evidence of planning or premeditati
on, multiple offences and previous convictions for similar offences, should be considered aggravating features.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693011 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
\par In his sentencing decision the learned Magistrate found a starting point and calculated his sentence after some reduction for a guilty plea, a clean recent record and the accused\rquote s age.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15997464 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
However, there is no direct record that the learned Magistrate properly considered the totality principle or the one transaction rule when determining whether the sentences on the two counts should be served concurrently or consecutively.
\par 
\par As for the totality principle a court which passes a number of consecutive sentences needs to review the aggregate term and consider whether it is just and appropriate considering the culpability for the offences as a whole.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
A court must be careful to impose condign punishment for the major offending particularly in circumstances where the offending, while separate, is nonetheless closely interlinked.
\par 
\par As a general principle consecutive terms should not be imposed for offences which arise out of the same incident, whether or not they arise out of precisely the same facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 However, this discretion is widely interpreted (CF }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 R v Laurence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 , 11 Cr. App. R.580).
\par 
\par The summary of facts indicates that this was a commercial robbery of a service station and that the accompanying theft of $400.00 from the employees was an opportunistic after thought.
\par 
\par As such, in my view, the condign punishment should have been reserved for the commercial aspects of the robbery of a service station. 
\par 
\par When viewed in this way a sentence of 4 years imprisonment for the commercial robbery was not a sufficient penalty.
\par 
\par I would have calculated a starting point of 5 years added to that the aggravating features including:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15997464\charrsid14693011 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 The appellant had 5 previous convictions.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 The prevalence of this type of offending.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 The pre-meditation and planning of the offending.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 This was a robbery conducted with a threat of arms.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 (The pistol may have been fake).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15997464\charrsid14693011 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693011 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 For those aggravating features 4 years needs to be added to this sta
rting point making a total of 9 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par As against that the mitigating features of the appellant\rquote s co-operation with the police and early guilty plea are significant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 In addition he deserves some credit for maintaining a reasonably clear record in the 6 years before this offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 His youth and family responsibilities also need to be taken into account.
\par 
\par I would have deducted 3 years to recognize those features.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 This would make an effective sentence of 6 years imprisonment.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 This is in respect of Count 1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 In respect of Count 2, I agree with the construction of the sentence imposed in the Court at first instance and would have left that at 4 years.
\par 
\par However, for the reasons expressed earlier in this judgment I do not accept that these transactions were so distinct as to warrant a consecutive term.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 In my view, the theft from the employees was a by product of the petrol station robbery and accordingly does not deserve a consecutive penalty.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 Condign punishment must follow the major offence.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 Conclusion
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693011 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15997464 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 The appeal is granted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
The sentence in the court below is quashed and substituted with one of 6 years in respect of Count 1 and 4 years in respect of Count 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 These terms to be served concurrently.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4211309  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
An effective term of 6 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 Gerard Winter
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15997464 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 
\par At Suva
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693011 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid15997464 20th August, 2004}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13312235\charrsid14693011 
\par }}