{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}
{\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f169\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f170\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}
{\f172\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f173\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f174\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f175\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}
{\f176\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f177\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f189\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f190\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}
{\f192\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f193\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f194\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f195\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}
{\f196\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f197\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}{\f519\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f520\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f522\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;}
{\f523\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f524\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);}{\f525\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f526\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f527\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);}
{\f528\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}}{\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\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{\s2\qc \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{
\s3\qc \li1440\ri720\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{
\s4\qc \li4320\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin4320\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}
{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\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\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \cbpat9 
\f35\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden Document Map;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 header;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-12816810\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0
\levelstartat5\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01-;}{\levelnumbers;}\fbias0 \fi-360\li360\jclisttab\tx360\lin360 }{\listname ;}\listid1414204519}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1414204519\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid3803951
\rsid7567174\rsid10702047}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr10\min11}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr10\min11}{\version2}
{\edmins0}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords914}{\nofchars5212}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws6114}{\vern16391}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701
\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot7567174 \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\insrsid3803951 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt {
\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3803951 3}}}{\cs17\insrsid3803951 
\par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid3803951 
\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\pararsid7567174 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 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\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 060 OF 2004S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Between:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7567174\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7567174\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 THE STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7567174\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7567174\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 EDSON WONG NAULUVULA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7567174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 1st October 2004
\par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7567174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 8th October 2004
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7567174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Mr. W. Kuruisaqila for State
\par Ms B. Malimali for Respondent
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par This is the State\rquote s appeal against sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 The Respondent was charged as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 FOUND IN POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 : Contrary to section 8(b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 114 as amended by Dangerous Drug Act Amendment Decree No. 4 of 1990 and Dangerous Drug Act Amendment Decree No. 1 of 1991.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid10702047 Particulars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
EDSON WONG NAULUVULA on the 6th day of March, 2004 at Nasinu in the Central Division, was found in possession of Dangerous Drugs, namely 51.3 grams of Indian Hemp.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par On the 13th of April 2004 he pleaded guilty to the charge in the Suva Magistrates\rquote  Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 He was represented by counsel.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 The very brief facts were that on the 6th of March 2004 at 10am, PC 2920 Viliame and his tea
m were on patrol on Davula Road, Nadera when they saw the Respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 He was sitting in a taxi with a carry bag.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 DC Viliame searched the bag and found dried leaves inside it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 He suspected that they were Indian hemp leaves.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
He arrested the Respondent and interviewed him under caution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 The facts do not disclose what the Respondent said under caution.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
However the leaves were analysed and it was confirmed that they were of cannabis sativa or Indian hemp to the total weight of 51.3 grams.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 The Respondent was charged.
\par 
\par The Respondent admitted these facts and one previous conviction for assault in 1994.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
In mitigation counsel said that he is 42 years old, married with 4 young children attending school, that he is the sole breadwinner, that he operates a canteen at ho
me and works as a handyman at P.J. Twomey Hospital, and that he was willing to do community service at his church.
\par 
\par In sentencing him, the learned Magistrate said that the facts and the quantity of marijuana found on him indicated that he was selling the drugs for a living.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 She decided however not to impose a custodial sentence but instead imposed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 She also fined him $200.
\par 
\par The State submits that this sentence was manifestly lenient.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 At the hearing 
of this appeal, counsel for the State referred to the case of }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Meli Ba Vesi v. State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174  Crim. App. No. HAA}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 027 of 2004 and said that the facts should have led to a custodial sentence.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Counsel for the Respondent disagreed saying that in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
State v. Tomasi Rawlands Niumatasere}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174  Cr. App. R. HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
007 of 2004S, a man found in possession of 57.6 grams of marijuana was sentenced to community service by the High Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
She submitted that a suspended sentence was appropriate in this case because of the Respondent\rquote s good character, there was no history of taking drugs, he had a young family and his employment history.
\par 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Meli Ba Vesi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174  Winter J considered the case of an appellant found in possession of 6 bags of marijuana.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 He had admitted supplying and selling the drugs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 His Lo
rdship found that in deciding on sentence the issue is not the amount of drugs found, but the purpose of the possession and the degree of involvement the offender might have in the sale of the drugs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 He said at page 6:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 \'93In }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 R v. Smith}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174  [1980] 1 NZLR 412, th
e New Zealand Court of Appeal reviewed the level of cannabis drug sentences upheld in that country and found it broadly comparable to the United Kingdom level.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 R v. Aramah}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
 [1982] 76 Cr. App. R.190, it was said that supplying a number of small sellers \endash  \'93wholesaling\'94 \endash  comes to the top of the bracket, \'93small scale\'94 supplies could expect 2 to 3 years imprisonment.}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 At the other end is the retailer of a small amount to a consumer.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid10702047 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 This analysis produces the result that where there is no commercial motive 
\endash  for example when cannabis is supplied at a party \endash  the offence might well be serious enough to only justify a short custodial sentence that might be suspended.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par Much therefore depends on the intention of the offender in the possession of the drugs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Infere
nces as to intention may be drawn from the circumstances of the case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Winter J said that these circumstances might be:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047 \'93-\tab }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
the amount of the drug.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 -\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnstart5\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb -}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 packaging \endash  plastic/paper foil
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 -\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnstart5\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb -}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Acknowledgments of dealing.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 -\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnstart5\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb -}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Convenient bundles of cash, frequently in the denominations of the trade.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 -\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnstart5\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb -}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Preparation for sale or distribution.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Tomasi Rawlands Niumatasere}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174  (supra) the respondent was found in possession of 37.6 grams of Indian hemp.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 The leaves were found in his bedroom, and he told the police that he smoked the leaves himself.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 There were no circumstances suggesting sale or supply, and a community work order was imposed.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
In that case community representatives had made submissions to the High Court that the offender had made earnest attempts to rehabilitate himself.
\par 
\par That case is distinguishable from the present one.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
Firstly the circumstances in which the Respondent was found in possession of the drugs indicated sale or supply.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
These circumstances included the carrying of the drugs in a bag and the fact that the Respondent had been found with the drugs in Raiwaqa when he lived in Nadera.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 Secondly, I see no compelling circumstances in the mitigation raised which might justify a departure from the tariff for similar offences.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 That tariff, for the small scale possession of 
cannabis for a commercial purpose on circumstantial evidence of sale is between 2 to 4 years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
A starting point lower than 2 years would be justified where there is no evidence of frequent supply or sale.
\par 
\par In this case, a starting point of 18 months imprisonment is appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 For the amount of drugs, I increase sentence to 2 years.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
For good character (I disregard his one previous conviction), no history of drug supply, family circumstances, employment history and guilty plea, I reduce the sentence to 6 months imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 I see no reason to suspend the sentence.
\par 
\par For these reasons, the appeal succeeds.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 The suspended sentence is quashed and is substituted with a 6 month term of imprisonment.

\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10702047 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid10702047 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid10702047 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7567174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10702047\charrsid7567174 
\par At Suva
\par 8th October 2004
\par }}