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\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.: HAA}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470200\charrsid11470200 0}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 106 \endash  109 OF 2004
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 NETANI TOKA VEIQARAVI
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 Appellant
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 AND:
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 STATE
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 Respondent
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11470200 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par Counsel:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470200  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 Appellant in Person
\par Ms K. Bavou \endash  for the State
\par 
\par Hearing:\tab 28th October, 2004
\par Judgment:\tab 26th November, 2004
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11470200 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 Background
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par The appellant was convicted by his plea to three counts of robbery with violence and one each of larceny and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 This is his sentence appeal.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11470200 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 The Facts

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11470200 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The appellant with two accomplices embarked}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  on a spree of taxi robberies.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par 
\par In Criminal Case 275/04 at about 9.30pm on the 1st of June, 2004 the first complainant was driving his van when approached by the group.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 He was told to drive onto the feeder road at Waila.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
Along that road the appellant took out a kitchen knife, placed it against the victim\rquote s neck and demanded cash.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
The group forced him out of the driver\rquote s seat, took $20.00 and the appellant drove the van to Princess Road where it was abandoned.
\par 
\par He was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par The group struck again at about 7.00pm that night when they stopped another taxi van driver.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
Again they asked to be driven to Waila.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 On arrival at Waila the victim was beaten up.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 He made his escape.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The appellant and his co-accused then stripped the vehicle of its car stereo and speakers.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The appellant was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for larceny and 3 months imprisonment for the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The total sentence of one year three months was made concurrent to the 3 year sentence imposed in Criminal File 275/04.
\par 
\par In respect of Criminal Case No. 273/04 the group struck again when they hired a 52 year old taxi driver from Nausori town asking him to take them to Waila.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 When they arrived at Waila the appellant took a piece of cloth, put it around the complainant\rquote s neck and strangled his breath out of him to a point where he lost consciousness.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The group took the car radio and $30.00 cash.
\par 
\par The appellant received 2 years imprisonment concurrent with File 275/04.
\par 
\par In respect of Criminal Case No. 272/04 the same modus operandi was used.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
A 37 year old taxi driver from Nausori town was asked to take the group to Waila.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
On arrival the victim was punched and beaten up by the appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The group then took a taxi radio and $88.00 cash.
\par 
\par The appellant received 2 years imprisonment concurrent to the 3 year sentence in File 275/04.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 Appeal Grounds
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The appellant was reminded of his right to counsel and to apply for Legal Aid.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 He appeals against this sentence as a first offender saying that the three year term for this spree of violent robberies is harsh and excessive.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
He claims that the learned Magistrate failed to take into account his co-operation with the police, early guilty plea and lack of previous convictions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 The State\rquote s Response
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11470200 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The State submits that the sentence of 3 years imprisonment is not harsh and excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 If anything it is submitted the sentence is so manifestly lenient that I should exercise my discretion under Section 325 of the Criminal Procedure Code and increa
se the penalty especially in respect of Criminal File 273/04 involving the strangulation of a 52 year old man to a point of unconsciousness.
\par 
\par Counsel refers me to two decisions. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The State v Marvick}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 , HAC0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 027-028}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 .20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 04, a decision of my brother Justice Gates.
 A total effective sentence of 3 \'bd years imprisonment was imposed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The tariff decision of my sister Justice Shameem in the }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 State v Ilaisa Sousou Cava}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 , HAC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 007}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 2000 where her Honour details a tariff for similar offences in the range of between 4-7 years.
\par 
\par I had occasion to consider these decisions and others in my own decision of }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 Koroivuata v The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 , HAA}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 064}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 .20}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 04.
\par 
\par That case appears to be on all fours with the present appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 I shall refer to it in more detail in my decision.
\par 
\par I am grateful for the diligence of State\rquote s counsel in the preparation of her thoughtful submissions.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 Decision
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11470200 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 In }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 Koroivuata (supra)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200  I said:
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11470200 \i\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }\pard \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 \'93Violent and armed robberies of taxi drivers are all too frequent.}{
\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 The taxi industry serves this country well.}{\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 It provides a cheap vital link in short and medium haul transport.}{\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 Taxi drivers are particularly exposed to the risk of robbery.}{\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{
\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 They are defenceless victims.}{\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285  }{\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
The risk of personal harm they take everyday by simply going about their business can only be ameliorated by harsh deter}{\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 rent sentences that might insti}{
\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 l in prospective muggers the knowledge that if they hurt or harm a taxi driver they will receive a lengthy term of imprisonment.\'94
\par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11470200 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid11470200 
\par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 
In that case I declined a sentencing appeal and maintained the effective sentence of 2 years imprisonment for one offence.
\par 
\par I agree with State counsel\rquote s submission that this is a case where I should use my jurisdiction to increase the sentence under Section 325 of the Criminal Procedure Code especially in relation to Criminal File 273/04.}{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 In this case a 52
 year old man was taken to a remote area, had a piece of cloth put around his neck and was strangled to a point of loosing consciousness.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 Fortunate indeed it was that this victim was not more seriously harmed by the appellant\rquote s brutish and wanton violence motivated only by greed.
\par 
\par For these reasons I focus on 273/04.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 
I start with a sentence of 6 years imprisonment to reflect the serious nature of the attack on the victim.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 
I would add a further two years for the fact that the appellant was accompanied in his crime by others and used a weapon albeit a simple one to effect his purpose.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 That totals 8 years.
\par 
\par I give a discount of 2 years for his co-operation with the police and early guilty plea.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 
I allow another one year\rquote s discount for a lack of previous offending and a further year to reflect the youth of this first offender and to reflect that some property was recovered.}{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 In all an effective sentence of 4 years imprisonment is called for.
\par 
\par These were separate and discrete offences deserving of cumulative sentences.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 
\par 
\par You can consider yourself fortunate that because of your youth and lack of previous offending I do not make this sentence cumulative on your other terms of imprisonment.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 
\par 
\par Accordingly, the sentence appeal is dismissed but the overall sentence is varied by adjusting the sentence given on Criminal File 273/04 upwards to a sentence of 4 years imprisonment commencing from today.}{
\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285\charrsid10158285  }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 All remaining sentences to be concurrent with this term.
\par 
\par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\b\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 Gerard Winter
\par }{\b\i0\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 JUDGE
\par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10158285 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 
\par At Suva
\par }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10158285 26th November, 2004}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12547679\charrsid10158285 
\par }}