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\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot5328133 \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\insrsid16211441 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid16211441 3}}}{\cs17\insrsid16211441 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid16211441 \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\pararsid10648717 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 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\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9054992\charrsid10648717 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 015 OF 2004S \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 Between:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7426806\charrsid10648717 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7426806\charrsid10648717 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 QALITA SAUMAIMURI \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7426806\charrsid10648717 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7426806\charrsid10648717 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 THE STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7426806 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 27th February 2004 \par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7426806 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 5th March 2004 \par \par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7426806 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Appellant in Person \par Ms P. Madanavosa for State \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par The Appellant pleaded guilty to the following offences: \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 FIRST COUNT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 INDECENT ASSAULT}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 : Contrary to Section 154(1) of the Penal Code, Act 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 QALITA SAUMAIMURI, between 8th day of J une, 2003 and 9th day of June, 2003 at Nabua in the Central Division, unlawfully and indecently assaulted AKATA LIKU. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 SECOND COUNT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 RAPE}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 : Contrary to Sections 149 and 150 of the Penal Code, Act 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 QALITA SAU MAIMURI, on the 11th day of June, 2003 at Nabua in the Central Division, had carnal knowledge of AKATA LIKU, without her consent. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par The case was first called on the 13th of June 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The Appellant pleaded not guilty.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The matter was adjourned to the 27th of June 2003 and then to the 11th of July 2003, when he was granted bail. \par \par On the 25th of November 2003, when the matter was set down for trial, the Appellant changed his pleas.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The facts outlined were that the victim, a 19 year old girl lived with the Appellant and his family.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The Appellant\rquote s wife left for Koro Island and the victim asked to sleep with a neighbour and one Maria Lisi.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The Appellant then approached her as she lay sleeping and touched her breasts and private parts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The victim woke up and told h im to leave her alone but he continued to indecently assault her.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The victim then complained to her sister who reported the matter to the police.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 This occurred on the night of the 8th of June 2003. \par \par Three days later while the victim lay sleeping with her sister, the Appellant came onto the bed and had sexual intercourse with the victim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 He was drunk.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 She reported the matter to the police and was medically examined.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The medical report said that the victim\rquote s hymen was not intact, there was a whitish discharge on the vagina and there were lacerations and injuries in the vaginal area. \par \par The Appellant accepted these facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 He was a first offender.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 In mitigation he said that he had sought forgiveness from the victim\rquote s parents and they had forgiven him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 He is 38 years old and has been married for 10 years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The complainant was in court and confirmed that she had forgiven him. \par \par The learned Magistrate then sentenced the Appellant to 2 years imprisonment on Count 1 and 2 years imprisonment on Count 2 to be served consecutive to each other. \par \par The Appellant says that this sentence is harsh and excessive and has appealed against it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 I cannot agree with him.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The sentences passed are certainly wrong in principle but they are not harsh or excessive. \par \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Firstly, the sentences passed are the same for indecent assault and for rape.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 This cannot be correct.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The tariff for indecent assault in Fiji is 1-3 years and it is a much less serious offence than rape where the tariff is 5-7 years for the rape of adult women with a starting point o f 7 years, and 9-11 years for the rape of children with a starting point of 10 years.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 There can be no logical reason why the Appellant was given the same sentence on each of these counts. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par In respect of Count 1, a starting point of 1 year might have been justifiable because of the non-penetrative nature of the assault, and after considering aggravating and mitigating circumstances, an 18 month term would have been appropriate. \par \par In respect of Count 2, a starting point of 7 years imprisonment (}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Mohammed Kasim v. State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Crim. App. No. 21/93, }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Sisa Kanaveilomani v. State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Crim. App. No. 15/01) would have been appropriate.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 Although there was a gross breach of trust, the previous good character of the Appellant might have justified a 5 year term.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The 2 year term imposed is so inconsistent with comparable sentences imposed, that it must be varied.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 However because there is no cross-appeal by the State, I will reduce the 5 year term further by one year so that the total term the Appellant will have to serve is no longer than that originally imposed by the lower court.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 However I must emphasise that a four-year term is below the tariff for rape and is only being imposed in this case because I consider that it would be unjust to increase sentence without a cross-appeal. \par \par The sentence of the lower court is quashed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 It is substituted with an 18 month term on Count 1, and 4 year term on Count 2 to be served concurrently.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10648717 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 The Appellant\rquote s appeal is dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\caps\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10648717 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid10648717 At Suva \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5328133 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6451298\charrsid5328133 5th March 2004 \par }}