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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid5005270 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\b\fs24\insrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\fs24\insrsid5005270 CRIMINAL ACTION NO. HAC016 OF 2002
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\fs24\insrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\b\fs24\insrsid5005270 THE STATE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\b\fs24\insrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\b\fs24\insrsid5005270 V
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\b\fs24\insrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\b\fs24\insrsid5005270 NAVAU LEBOBO
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\fs24\insrsid5005270 
\par Gates J.}{\fs24\insrsid14299089 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5005270\charrsid5005270 Mr B. Solanki and Mr Qica for the State
\par Ms P. Narayan for the Accused
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\fs24\insrsid5005270 
\par 6, 7 April 2004}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid5005270 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\b\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 SENTENCE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 [1] \tab 
Navau Lebobo you have been found guilty after trial on this information by the unanimous opinion of the 3 assessors.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 I have concurred in these opinions.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 You have been convicted therefore of the counts of murder, rape and robbery with violence.
\par 
\par [2] \tab This is a truly disturbing case.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Disturbing because it shows what one person can do after breaking into a private home.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The initial purpose had been to steal some cash to continue drinking.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Once inside however}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 ,}{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808  you meted out a heartless, cruel, prolonged and unnecessary beating to Mr Badri Maharaj, an old man of 82, until he died.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
You then went on to assault his small-made frail wife aged 76 who had offered you no resistance whilst you committed your crime. 
\par 
\par [3] \tab You beat her and punched her so that her nose and mouth bled and both of her eyes were blackened.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
After her husband lay unconscious and dying you then carried the old lady to the next bedroom and there raped her, though she protested to you that she was a mother.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
You did not relent at these pleas.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par 
\par [4] \tab At the start you had decided to break into this house which is not far distant from the Tuitalevu settlement between Raiwai and Flagstaff where you were living.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
The family were known to have given work to people from your settlement and yet their house in Rewa Street was targeted for your stealing.
\par 
\par [5] \tab Mrs Maharaj did not hear you break in because she did not wear her hearing aid at night. It was 4 in the morning.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
When you saw her, you launched an attack upon her which was unnecessary, cowardly, and gratuitous.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 She was injured, bleeding, and stunned by this assault.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 You should be deeply ashamed of this part of your conduct, and which you had largely admitted in the agreed facts.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 I have heard no apology however tendered in or through this court to Mrs Maharaj for the beating that you gave her.
\par 
\par [6] \tab Whilst your victims were lying, either on the floor in Mr Maharaj\rquote s case, or on the bed in Mrs Maharaj\rquote 
s case after the rape, you took their small amount of foreign currency from the kitchen bowl and some Fiji currency from Mrs Maharaj\rquote s handbag.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
These sums amounted in value approximately to $500 in Fiji currency.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The money was spent by you on drinks in the nightclub to impress friends or strangers.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s2\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 Your background
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 [7] \tab You are 28 years old.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
You are single, unemployed and you finished school at class 6.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 You are not, as has been suggested though, uncommunicative.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Nor do you appear to have any understanding difficulty with language and you appeared to possess fluency and some articulacy, when you addressed the court yesterday.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The investigating officer said you were very co-operative throughout the investigation.
\par 
\par [8] \tab You have been to prison before, that was in 1990 for assault with intent to commit a felony.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 You served 12 months.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Your other convictions were for indecent assault, criminal intimidation, and house breaking.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 On the last 2 convictions you were
 sentenced to 9 months imprisonment suspended for 3 years.
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par Robbery with violence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 [9] \tab Robbery with violence under section 293(1}{\fs24\insrsid398808\charrsid398808 ) (}{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 b) of the Penal Code is a very serious offence, for which the statutory maximum sentence in Fiji is life imprisonment.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
As was said of robbery with violence by Shameem J. in }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 State v Ilaisa Sousou Cava}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808  (unreported) Suva High Court Criminal Case No. HAC007.00S; 19 April 2001: }{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The offence is also prevalent in Fiji, and there is a duty on the court to pass a sentence which reflects the gravity of such offending.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 [10] \tab 
Recently the Court of Appeal observed:
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
In Fiji robbery with violence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 It needs to be said therefore that the State places it as an offence in the most serious category.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The importance of 
this may be seen when the position in Fiji is contrasted with the position in New Zealand where the maximum penalty for a comparable offence is 14 years imprisonment (except in the case of Home Invasion where the maximum is 19 years).}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 It follows then that although a sentencing Judge may obtain some assistance from the statement of principles which apply in for example New Zealand it is necessary to bear in
 mind that the offence is regarded more seriously in Fiji.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 See }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
Raymond Sikeli Singh and 3 Others v The State}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808  (unreported) Court of Appeal, Fiji Crim. Appeal No. AAU0008 of 2000S; 19 March 2004 at p.7.
\par 
\par [11] \tab The court went on:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid398808 {\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
The second principle is to ensure that as far as possible sentencing Judges in determining the severity of the sentence take into account those factors which acting on behalf of the community may be seen as significant.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par [12] \tab It is plain the community in Fiji is increasingly concerned at crimes committed during }{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 home invasions}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 .}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 By their sentences the courts must strive to protect all persons in their homes.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 But the courts must take an even stronger line with crimes committed against vulnerable persons in their homes, such as the young or the old, the weak or the infirm.
\par 
\par [13] \tab In }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 R v Driscoll}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808  8 Cr. App. R (S) 121 cited by Shameem J. in }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Cava}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
 (supra at p.4) the English Court of Appeal held that where robbery was committed in the course of a burglary, a 15 year prison term was justified for offences of robbery, aggravated burglary, and causing grievous harm.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The court said that there was a need to protect elderly people living alone, who were increasingly selected by burglars for such attacks.
\par 
\par [14] \tab I quote again from Shameem J.\rquote s judgment in }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Cava }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 (p.4):
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\tx720\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 In }{\b\fs24\ul\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 R \endash v- Richardson and Others}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808  The Times February 10, 1988 sentences o
f 13 years, 12 years and 11 years youth custody for the defendants who were of previous good character, and who had taken part in a series of robberies on houses where the victims were asleep but were disturbed and attacked with knives, were held to be ri
ght in principle.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
Ewbank J said that robberies of this nature were so serious that a plea of youth or of previous good character was of little relevance, and that where the victims were old or very young, the sentence would be even longer.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par [15] \tab In }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Joseva Lui & Others}{\i\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 v The State}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
 (unreported) AAU0005.97S the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence of the 3 offenders who had entered a jeweller\rquote s shop armed with cane knives and a hammer from 8 and 9 years to 6 years, 7 years and 5 years 9 months respectively.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 But in that case the jewellery was recovered, the offenders pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, and no-one was injured.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par 
\par [16] \tab In }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Sikeli Nayavusoata & Anor v The State}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808  (unreported) Court of Appeal, Fiji Crim. App. No. AAU0027.01S; 30 May 2003, th
e court reduced a sentence of 7 years to 5, noting that the Accused had not inflicted physical injury on the victim, neither Accused had previous convictions, and both had been in custody for 1 year 5 months awaiting trial.
\par 
\par [17] \tab In your case, I consider the starting point in the tariff must be 8 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 I reduce that by 3 years for the time you have spent in custody namely 1\'be
 years.
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 [18] \tab 
But this was a home invasion robbery of the worst kind.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 There is no mitigating remorse.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
You did not plead guilty when it was obvious you had no defence to this count.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Instead you made the victim relive the terrifying saga of her own beating and that of her husband.}
{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 You assaulted the husband who fought for his life, and the violence you used on him was extreme.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
Both victims were elderly and vulnerable.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
Such persons ought to be able to expect to live quietly in their homes as retired persons without being brutally assaulted in the middle of the night by an intruder.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
For all of these aggravating factors I consider the sentence is to be increased by a further 5 years, making a sentence of 10 years imprisonment in all for the robbery with violence.
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The rape
\par }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par [19] \tab Rape is regarded as one of the most serious offences in the Penal Code.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The Court of Appeal in }{\i\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Mohammed Kasim v The State }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 (unreported) Fiji Court of Appeal Cr. Case No. 14 of 1993; 27 May 1994 observed (at p.6):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid398808 {\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
We consider that in any rape case without aggravating or mitigating features the starting point for sentencing an adult should be a term of imprisonment of seven years.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
It must be recognized by the Courts that the crime of rape has become altogether too frequent and that the sentences imposed by the Courts for that crime must more nearly reflect the understandable public outrage.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 We must stress, however, that the particular circumstances of a case will mean that there are cases where the proper sentence may be substantially higher or substantially lower than that starting point.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808 "}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par [20] \tab In this case and because the victim was an elderly person I believe the correct starting point is 10 years.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
Again I deduct 3 years for the time spent in custody awaiting trial, bringing the term down to 7 years.
\par 
\par [21] \tab In mitigation there is little to say in your favour.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 In your interview you said that 
you escorted the old lady, after the rape, to the bathroom to allow her to wash herself, and that you then took her back to the same room.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
That was the only discernible glimmer of humanity I can find in what you did that night.
\par 
\par [22] \tab The aggravating factors are that this rape was committed during a home invasion, that the rape was accompanied by a brutal attack, that the attack caused disgraceful injuries to a frail and elderly person.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }
{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 Lastly, by your plea of not guilty, you forced this lady to have to enter the witness box and to revisit these terrible events and to relate what had happened when she had been raped by you.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 I remember the extreme distress she suffered when at the end of her examination in chief she realised her attacker was in court and she then became ill.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 You did not spare her any of this.
\par 
\par [23] \tab The courts in recent years have realised how strongly outraged the public feels about violent crimes committed during home invasions.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
The courts have accordingly hardened their hearts towards perpetrators of such crimes.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 For all of these reasons that I have set out, a further 6 years must be added
 to the sentence, making a total for the rape of 13 years.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The murder
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 [24] \tab 
The offence of murder carries a mandatory life sentence.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 The only se
ntencing matter I am concerned with is whether your crime requires a recommendation from me pursuant to section 33 of the Penal Code, that you serve a specified minimum period of that term.
\par 
\par [25] \tab Again I take into account the time you have spent in custody awaiting trial and allow 3 years discount for that time.
\par 
\par [26] \tab It is hard to understand why you committed this murder.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 It was unprovoked, senseless and extremely brutal.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 It was a crime that you need not have committed for you to have achieved your goal of stealing cash for drinking.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 
The ferocity of your attack on Mr Maharaj, who I emphasize was aged 82, was also savagely prolonged.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 At the end of it, blood was everywhere in that bedroom, and Mr Maharaj
\rquote s face was distorted and close to pulp.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 More significantly we learnt from the pathologist\rquote 
s evidence of the number of bones broken, bones broken in several places, and of the huge damage to all parts of Mr Maharaj\rquote s head.
\par 
\par [27] \tab It is necessary that you be rightly punished for this truly dreadful crime.}{\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 It is to be hoped that you will find remorse and forgiveness eventually.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid398808  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 But for this murder you are to be sentenced to life imprisonment and in considering the totality of your offending I recommend that you serve a minimum term of 20 years.
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid398808 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid398808 [28] \tab I m
ake no order on the matters for which you are in breach of suspended sentences.
\par 
\par [29] \tab In summary then you are sentenced as follows:
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12537814 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12537814 Ct. 1 murder:-}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid12537814 
Life imprisonment with a recommendation that you serve a minimum term of 20 years.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12537814 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid12537814 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12537814 {\fs24\insrsid12537814 Ct. 2 rape}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid12537814 :}{\fs24\insrsid12537814 -}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid12537814 
13 years imprisonment.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12537814 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid12537814 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14299089 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid12537814 Ct. 3 robbery with}{\fs24\insrsid12537814  violence}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid12537814 :}{
\fs24\insrsid12537814 -}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid12537814 10 years.
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10907607 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15864359 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid15864359 All terms are to be served concurrently.}{
\fs24\insrsid5005270\charrsid15864359  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid15864359 No order on the suspended sentences matters. 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10907607 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14228346 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid14228346 A.H.C.T. GATES
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5005270 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14299089\charrsid5005270 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14228346 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid10907607\charrsid14228346 Solicitors for the State\tab }{
\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid14228346 :}{\fs24\insrsid10907607\charrsid14228346  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid14228346 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10907607\charrsid14228346 Solicitors for the Accused}{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid14228346 :}{\fs24\insrsid10907607\charrsid14228346  }{\fs24\insrsid14299089\charrsid14228346 Legal Aid Commission, Suva
\par }}