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.}}{\*\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\pararsid4095348 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 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\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 53 OF 2003S \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 Between:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997551\charrsid13972160 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997551\charrsid13972160 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997551\charrsid13972160 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997551\charrsid13972160 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 RAYMOND ROBERTS \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid13972160 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997551 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 23rd January 2004 \par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997551 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 30th January 2004 \par \par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997551 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Ms A. Prasad for State \par Mr. M. Raza for Respondent \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par On the 6th of August 2003 the Respondent pleaded guilty to four counts of larceny by servant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He was sentenced to a total of 18 months imprisonment suspended for three years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The State appeals against this sentence. \par \par The charges, filed on the 25th of January 2002 in the Suva Magistrates\rquote Court read as follows: \par \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 FIRST COUNT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 LARCENY BY SERVANT}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 : Contrary to section 274(a)(i) of the Penal Code Act 17. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 RAYMOND ROBERTS on the 30th day of J uly, 2001 at Suva in the Central Division being employed as a servant by Colonial National Bank stole $23,648.91 in cash, the property of the said Colonial National Bank. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 SECOND COUNT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 LARCENY BY SERVANT}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 : Contrary to section 274(a)(i) of the Penal Code Act 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 RAYMOND ROBERTS on the 31st day of August, 2001 at Suva in the Central Division being employed as a servant by Colonial National Bank stole $16,351.09 in cash, the property of the said Colonial National Bank. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 THIRD COUNT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 LARCENY BY SERVANT}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 : Contrary to section 274(a)(i) of the Penal Code Act 17. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 RAYMOND ROBERTS on the 29th day of October, 2001 at Suva in the Central Division being employed as a servant by Colonial National Bank stole $10,000.00 in cash, the property of the said Colonial National Bank. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 FOURTH COUNT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 LARCENY BY SERVANT}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 : Contrary to section 274(a)(i) of the Penal Code Act 17. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 RAYMOND ROBERTS on th e 30th day of November, 2001 at Suva in the Central Division being employed as a servant by Colonial National Bank stole $15,860.00 in cash, the property of the said Colonial National Bank. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 FIFTH COUNT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 FRAUDULENT CONVERSION}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 : Contrary to section 279(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act 17. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 RAYMOND ROBERTS between 1st July, 2001 and 31st October, 2001 at Suva in the Central Division, being an officer of Colonial National Bank fraudulently converted $1,500.00 in cash whi ch he received from Paras Ram s/o Ram Swaroop on behalf of the said Colonial National Bank. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 SIXTH COUNT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 FRAUDULENT CONVERSION}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 : Contrary to section 279(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act 17. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 RAYMOND ROBERTS between the 1st day of October, 2001 and 31st day of October, 2001 at Suva in the Central Division being an officer of Colonial National Bank fraudulently converted $500.00 in cash which he received from Bob Usman Ali s/o Abdul Rahim on behalf of the said Colonia l National Bank. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par The case was first called on the 25th of January 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The Respondent pleaded not guilty on all counts.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He was not represented by counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The case was next called on the 15th of February 2002 when counsel appeared for him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The case was th en adjourned to the 18th of June, 26th of July, 23rd of August, 13th of September, 4th of October, 28th of November 2002 and to the 24th of January, 7th March and the 17th of June 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 From 24th January, the defence told the Learned Magistrate that they were adopting a \'93progressive approach\'94 to the case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 On the 17th of June 2003, the defence agreed to plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3 and 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 On the 1st of July 2003, the prosecution withdrew counts 5 and 6.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The matter was then adjourned to 10th July 2003 for sentencing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 On that day the Respondent did not appear and the sentencing hearing finally proceeded on the 29th of July 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The Respondent pleaded guilty to all four counts and admitted the facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 They were that in 1999, the Respondent was employed as a loans officer at the National Bank of Fiji trading as the Colonial National Bank.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 As loans officer, he falsely prepared a letter offering a loan to a Gur Swamy dated 29th January 1999.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The loan was purportedly for the sum of $70,000 and the Respondent signed it as Gur Swamy.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The \'93loan\'94 application was approved.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The Respondent then, on four separate occasions withdrew the sums of $23,648.91, $16,351.09, $10,000 and $15,860 from the loan account and deposited them into the account of one Roslyn Lata.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He then withdrew each amount from that account and used the money himself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The last such withdrawal was on the 30th of November 2001.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The Respondent, on the 1st of July 2003 had paid the Bank back a total sum of $65,860.41. \par \par In mitigation the defence called a character witness Reverend Immanuel Reuben, a Methodist Minister.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He said he had known the Respondent for 17 years as a member of the church.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He said that he had officiated at the Respondent \rquote s wedding and that he had a daughter and a son.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 In the middle of 2002, he told Reverend Reuben about the offence and the Reverend advised him to repay the money to the bank.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Since the commission of the offences the Respondent has shown a commitment to the church, and has become more mature and responsible. \par \par In mitigation, counsel said that the Respondent had worked for the National Bank for 13 years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He had been on a gross salary of $20,000 per annum and since his dismissal in January 2002 he was unable to find another job.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 In March 2003 he started his own business as a real estate agent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He said that the Respondent had suffered since January 2002 and that with a mortgage to the Housing Authority to the value of $120,000, his wife was forced to meet the mortgage obligations as the sole breadwinner. \par \par He further said that although he had created the fictitious account, he had tried to repay the money by monthly instalments even before the Bank discovered the theft. \par \par Counsel asked for a non-custodial sentence saying that the Respondent was currently studying towards a Diploma. \par \par Sentence was delivered on the 8th of August 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The Learned Magistrate referred to the case of }{ \b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Barrick}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 (1985) 91 Cr. App. R. 78, a case which set down sentencing guidelines in fraud cases.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 She used as her starting point 3\'bd years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 After reducing for mitigating factors she arrived at an 18 month term which she decided to suspend on the basis of Fiji cases in which suspension had been ordered. \par \par The State says that the sentence imposed was wrong in principle and manifestly lenient. \par \par Counsel for the State submitted that the maximum sentence for offences under section 274 of the Penal Code is 14 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 She referred to }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Barrick,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 }{ \b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 State v. Mahendra Prasad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Cr. Action HAC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 009.02S and }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Gerald Panniker v. State}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Crim. Appeal No. 28 of 2000 and said that although an 18 month term of imprisonment was unexceptionable in a case of serious fraud, the suspension of that sentence was wrong in principle. \par \par Counsel for the Respondent said that a sentence passed in the lower court should only be varied on appeal where the court had erred in principle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 An appellate court should never simply substitute a sentence that it might have passed itself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He said that all the matters raised on appeal, had been raised in the lower court, and the Learned Magistrate had merely exercised her discretion to suspend.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 That discretion was open to her. \par \par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Barrick}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 , the appellant, who had held a position of trust in a finance company, had stolen \'a39000.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He pleaded not guilty and was found guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He was sentenced to two years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 On appeal he asked for suspension of his sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The Court of Appeal held that in breach of trust cases, a term of immediate imprisonment was inevitable except in exceptional circumstances.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Relevant matters were the quality and degree of trust abuse d, the period of defrauding, the use to which the money was put, the effect on the victim, the impact on the public, the effect on the offender, any delay between discovery and trial, and the offender\rquote s personal history.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The Court found that the 2 year ter m imposed was too lenient saying that a term of up to 18 months imprisonment was appropriate for the theft of amounts up to \'a310,000, 2 to 3 years imprisonment for the theft of amounts between \'a310,000 and \'a350,000, and terms of 3\'bd to 4\'bd years for thefts of more than \'a350,000. \par \par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Panniker}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 , Pathik J adopted these guidelines in the case of a 3\'bd year term imposed on an offender who pleaded guilty to the theft of $49,348.82 from his employer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He had maintained a not guilty plea from August 1999 to November 1999 when he pleaded guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 There was no attempt at restitution until the day before the appeal hearing when the sum of only $10,000 was paid by the appellant\rquote s brother.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Pathik J considered }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Vishwajit Prasad v. State}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Crim. App. No. 23 of 1993 (4 years reduced to 2\'bd years) in which almost half of the amount stolen was paid back before the hearing, and }{ \b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 State v. Helen Broadbridge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Crim. Case No. 31 of 1997 (2\'bd years imprisonment for the theft of $24,147.55).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 His Lordship reduced the term for the restitution of $10,000 to one of 3 years imprisonment. \par \par In none of these cases had full and prompt restitution been made.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 In }{ \b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 State v. Mahendra Prasad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Gates J considered sentence in a case very similar to this one.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 In that case the accused pleaded guilty on 12 counts of larceny by servant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 } {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 The total stolen was $59,000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 On discovery, he co-operated with the police and confessed to the stealing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He transferred his house and car to his employer to compensate him for the loss of the money and his employer accepted this and tried to persuade the DPP to withdraw charges.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 In total the accused paid back the money he had used and the money he said he had given to another employee.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Gates J referred to a number of English authorities and to }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 State v. Isimeli Drodroveivali}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Cr. Case No. HAC 007 /02S and found that in all cases, custodial sentences had been imposed, and that the tariff for the theft of $59,000 should lead to a sentence of imprisonment between 2 to 3 years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 He distinguished those cases where the accused had pleaded not guilty or had not restored the money stolen and sentenced the accused to 2 years imprisonment suspended for 3 years. \par \par The principles that emerge from these cases are that a custodial sentence is inevitable where the accused pleads not guilty and makes no attempt at genuine restitution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Where there is a plea of guilty, a custodial sentence may still be inevitable where there is a bad breach of trust, the money stolen is high in value and the accused shows no remorse or attempt at reparation.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 However, where the accused i s a first offender, pleads guilty and has made full reparation in advance of the sentencing hearing (thus showing genuine remorse rather than a calculated attempt to escape a custodial sentence) a suspended sentence may not be wrong in principle.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Much depends on the personal circumstances of the offender, and the attitude of the victim. \par \par In this case, the Respondent had made attempts at restitution even before the Bank discovered the theft.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 This is highly significant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 Further full restitution took place, no t because of the prosecution, but because his pastor counselled him and was able to persuade him to be responsible and accountable for his actions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 In making restitution, the Respondent was not buying himself out of trouble.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 His remorse was clearly genuine. \par \par Further, the offences were committed in 2001, and he has suffered the consequences of his offending (both financially and socially) while his case was pending in the Magistrates\rquote Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 To impose a custodial sentence now, when he has begun to pick up the pieces of his life, would lead to injustice. \par \par Finally, I am not told of the attitude of his employers in relation to the sentence imposed, but the fact that restitution was accepted by them suggests that there has been some degree of reconciliation in those quarters. \par \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 In all the circumstances, I do not consider that the Learned Magistrate erred in suspending the Respondent\rquote s sentence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4095348 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 This appeal is dismissed. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4095348 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid4095348 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997551 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13972160\charrsid8997551 \par At Suva \par 30th January 2004 \par }}