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FIJI}{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr8\min46}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr18\min50} {\printim\yr2004\mo3\dy9\hr16\min3}{\version3}{\edmins4}{\nofpages8}{\nofwords2776}{\nofchars15828}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws18567}{\vern16391}} \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot5312842 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\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\pararsid1205568 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9453336 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9453336 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1205568 0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 4 OF 2004S \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9453336 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 Between:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16384317\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16384317\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9453336 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 KELEMEDI LAGI \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 KALIVATI TODUA \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9453336 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 SEKOVE TAMANIKAIRA \par MOSESE MUA \par NAVITALAI NAIVALU \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 Appellants \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9453336 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16384317\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16384317\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9453336 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 THE STATE}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16384317 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 5th March 2004 \par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16384317 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 12th March 2004 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16384317\charrsid1205568 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 Mr. E. Veretawatini}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 for Appellants \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 Ms. A. Prasad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 for State \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par The Appellants have appealed aga}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16280343 inst convictions and sentence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 They were charged as follows: \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 FIRST COUNT \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 ARSON}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 : Contrary to Section 317(a) of the Penal Code, Cap 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 KELEMEDI LAGI on the 19th day of January, 1999 at Kiuva, Bau in the Central Division, wilfully and unlawfully set fire to the dwelling house of BETERO SALABIAU. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 SECOND COUNT \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 : Contrary to section 330(a) of the Penal Code, Cap 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 KALIVATI TODUA, SEKOVE TAMANIKAIRA, AKARIVA KILA, MOSESE MUA, NAVITALAI NAIVALU and MOAPE VU, on the 19th day of January, 1999 at Kiuva, Bau in the Central Division, without lawful excuse, threatened BETERO SALABIAU and his family with the intention to cause alarm to the said BETERO SALABIAU and his family. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par The original grounds o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 f appeal were filed in person. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The main grounds were that there was ins ufficient evidence to convict the accused, and that the sentence was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 too harsh for first offenders. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 They were later represented by counsel, who filed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 additional grounds of appeal. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 They are as follows: \par \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 (a) }{ \b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in not evaluating the evidence of the Appellants, hence there has been a substantial miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 (b) }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in failing to come to the conclusion that the charge against the 2nd to 5th Appellants were d efective in that they had only one count against them although the charge sheet read the charge of Criminal Intimidation as Count 2, hence there has been a substantial miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 (c) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in not properly directing himself on the required standard of proof on each of the charges, hence there has been a substantial miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 (d) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact when he failed to decipher the evidence o f Prosecution Witness (2) Salanieta Salabiau when she made mention that two ladies held her as she was very frightened on page 16 of the Court Record, when this was an entirely new piece of evidence and the two ladies mentioned by her could have been inde pendent witnesses for the State, hence there has been a substantial miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 (e) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact when he went ahead and gave a ruling of No Case to Answer on the second count of Criminal Intimidatio n when there was in fact no application for the same in respect of the second count was made and hence the learned trial magistrate had pre-judged the guilt of the 2nd to 5th Appellants, hence there has been a substantial miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 (f) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in not taking into account that the mens rea of the first count of Arson was not established, hence the verdict and the subsequent sentence is unsafe; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 (g) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact when he relied on the hearsay evidence of Prosecution Witness 1 that the Roko Tui Kiuva had said that the Appellants had confessed to him that they had burnt the house, without giving the benefit to the Appellants to cross-examine the said Ro ko Tui whose evidence is not corroborated, hence there has been a substantial miscarriage of justice; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid9453336 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 (h) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 That the sentence passed by the learned trial Magistrate is harsh and excessive in all the circumstances. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 The trial \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par Although the charges were filed in July 1999, the trial did not commence until September 20th 2000}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5972875 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The Respondents appear to have taken turns to be absent, defence counsel was not instructed until January 2000, there was an attempt at reconciliation, disclosure was delayed and two applications for adjournment by defence counsel. \par \par The trial itself took place over a 3 year period until judgment was delivered on the 19th of August 2003}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5972875 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The learned Magistrate commented in passing judgment that \'93the delay in disposing of this case was due entirely to the systematic absenteeism of the accused persons.\'94 \par \par PW1 was P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 etero Salabiau of Delainavesi. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 In January 1999 he was living in Kiuva Village, wh}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 ere he had lived for 30 years. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He lived in a corrugated iron hou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 se with his wife and children. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 On the 19th of January 1999, at 6pm he was at home with his family. They went to bed at 9pm}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 leaving one hurricane lamp on.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 At about 11pm, he heard the sound of something }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 hitting the wall of his house. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He found the windows and d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 oors of his house were smashed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He went o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 ut to check what had happened. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He saw all seven Responden}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 ts outside, armed with sticks. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The 3rd and 5th Respon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 dents were holding spear guns. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He ran to the Radio Telephone Stati}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 on to ring the Police Station. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The Radio Telephone Station was clo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 sed. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He ran back home and saw the Respondents smashing all hi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 s belongings inside his house. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The 1st Respondent was holding a container of benzine. Th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 ey then set fire to his house. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 One Akariva pushed PW1\rquote s brush}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 cutter into the burning house. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He, his wife and son then walked to Nasilai Village 2\'bd miles}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 away to telephone the police. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The police arrived at 7am}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5972875 . }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He then left Kiuva Village and is now settled in Delainavesi. \par \par Under cross-examination PW1 said that he was later told that the reason the Respondents had burnt his house was because one of his sons had assaulted someone in the village for indecen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 tly assaulting the son\rquote s wife. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 PW1 himself denied assaulting the villager (one Ul}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9453336 aiasi) and the 1st Respondent. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He said he knew each Respondent very well and that he had seen the 1st Respondent holding a 5 litre container of benzine, and burning the house. He said (also under cross-examination) that Roko Tui Kiuva had told him that the Respondents had confessed to him about the arson. \par \par PW2 was PW1\rquote s wife, Salanieta Sal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5972875 abiau. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 She gave s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5972875 imilar evidence to her husband.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 She said she heard \'93Akariva\'94 (3rd Respondent) calling out \endash \'93Get out, get out, the house }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 will be burnt down.\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 She ran outside and saw all the Respondents there, holding mangrove poles and the 2nd and 4th Respon}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5972875 dents were holding spear guns. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 She saw one Savenaca, the 1st Respondent and the 3rd Respondent pouring benzine inside the house an}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 d she saw the flames going up. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The Respondents were using diving torches and she could see each one from 6 yards away. \par \par Under cross-examination she said that a statement she had given to the police on the 20th of January was not correct as she }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 was still in a state of shock. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 It is not clear from the record, what the inconsistency was that was alleged, and how significant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 it was. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 However she said that the 1st Respondent poured the benzine and Savanaca struck the match. \par \par PW3 Cpl. Viliame Caqusau visited the scene on the 20th of January 1999 and found the dwelling house and kitchen of PW1 completely burnt down.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He found and seized a burnt down benzine lamp and also interviewed the 2nd and 3rd Respondents. \par \par PW4 Cpl. Aminiasi i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 nterviewed the 1st Respondent. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 PW5 PC Sirilo interviewed Kalivati Todua (the 2nd Respondent), the 5th Respondent and the 6th Respondent. Their interviews wer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5972875 e tendered. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 They are not included in the court record, n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 or are they on the court file. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 A letter written to the Divisional Crime Officer Eastern on 21st January 2004 states that al}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 l caution interviews are lost. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The judgment suggests that all statements were exculpatory. \par \par The defence made a submission that there was no case to answer, on Count 1 although he conceded that there wa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 s a case to answer on Count 2. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The learned Magistrate found that there was a case to answer on both counts and proceeded to put the Respondents to their defence. \par \par The 1st R}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 espondent gave sworn evidence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He said he met PW1 on the 19th of January 1999 at about 11pm when the 1st Respondent wa}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 s returning from a grog party. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He said he did not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 go to his house and went home. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 On his way there he met PW1 again, returning fro}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 m the Radio Telephone Station. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 PW1 struck him w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 ith a diving torch on the head.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The 1st Respo}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 ndent was injured on his head. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He ran to his house and picked up a 4\'94 x 2\'94 t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 imber and went to PW1\rquote s house. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He went to hit PW1 but }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 ins tead hit the benzine light. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 It fell to th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 e floor and burnt into flames. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9379923 1st Respondent then went home. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He wa}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 s treated by the village nurse.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He then said that the 5th and 6th Respondents were with him at the time. \par \par Under cross-examination he said that PW1 was his cousin brother and that they had lived }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 at Kiuva Village for 20 years. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He said that there was no enmity between them prior to this incident and that he did no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 t know why PW1 had struck him. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He tendered his medical report (which also appears to have been lost after trial). \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 DW2 was the 6th Respondent. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He said that he had gone to PW1\rquote s house on the 19th of January 1999}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 \'93to help Kelemedi Lagi.\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He saw the 1st Responden}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 t strike at the benzine light. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He said he was not in the group that damaged PW1\rquote s house. \par \par The learned Magistrate delivere}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 d judgment on 19th August 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He found that the police had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the 1st Respondent had forcefully entered the house of Betero Salabiau a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1205568 nd had wilfully struck the benze}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 ne light which was hanging inside the latter\rquote s house, knowingly, \'93that the result of his unruly behaviour, would cause a fire to explode inside Betero\rquote s house.\'94 He convicted }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 the 1st Respondent on Count 1. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 In respect of Co unt 2, he found all Respondents guilty of criminal intimidation and convicted them. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 The grounds of appeal \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par Ground (a) is that there was no prop}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 er evaluation of the evidence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The learned Magistrate appears to have accepted that at some time during the night of the 19th of January, PW1 had assaulted the 1st Respondent, causing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 him to burn down PW1\rquote s house. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He said that this assault was supp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 orted by the medical evidence. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The learned Magistrate appears therefore to have decided that the truth lay somewhere between the version given in evidence by PW1 and PW2, and the e}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 vidence of the 1st Respondent. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The 1st Respondent\rquote s evidence was that the arson was an accident and that he d}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 id not hit the light wilfully. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 There was therefore no dispute that the 1st Respondent caused the fire a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 nd that he did so unlawfully. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The only matter in dispute was whether he had done so \'93wilfully.\'94 The word \'93wilfully\'94 was defined by the House of Lords in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid12346081 R \endash v- Shepphard}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 (1981) AC 394 as either deliberately doing an act or doing an act not caring about the consequences. The majority opinion was that \'93wilfully\'94 meant either intentionally or recklessly. In }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid12346081 R}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 -}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid12346081 v- Giffins}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid12346081 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 (1982) RTR 363 the same definition was adopted on a charge of the wilful obstruction of a railway, and also in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid12346081 Willmot }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 -}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid12346081 v- Attack}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 (1977) QB 496 63 Cr. App. R. 207, where the defendant was charged with the wilful obstruction of a police officer. \par \par The learned Magistrate in this case correctly considered the possibility of recklessness, when he found that when the 1st Respondent hit the benzine light he did so \'93knowingly that the result of his unruly behaviour would cause a fire to e}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 xplode inside Betero\rquote s house.\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 He did not mention the fact that the 6th Respondent, in his sworn evidence also said he saw the 1st Respondent strike a t the light. The 6th Respondent did not say that the 1st Respondent had aimed at PW1 and hit the light instead. Indeed, the evidence suggests that PW1 was not in the house at all. \par \par In the circumstances there was ample evidence of at least a reckless lighting of the fire, even on the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 defence version of the facts. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The learned Magistrate made a finding of fact which was open to h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 im on the evidence and in law. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 I do not consider that he erred. \par \par In respect of Count 2, the evidence was (and the learned Magistrate appears to have accepted it) that the Respondents (excluding the 1st Respondent) gathered outside the house of PW1, armed with sticks and spear guns at 11pm}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 They banged on the walls of the house and one of them said \'93Get out! }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346081 The house shall be burnt out.\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The evidence was that this was a joint enterprise and that all were armed. \par \par Section 330(a) of the Penal Code reads: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 \'93Any person who without lawful excuse \endash \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid6046347 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 (a) threatens another person or other persons whether individually or collectively, with any injury to his or their person or persons, reputation or property, or to the person, reputation or property of anyone in whom that person is or those persons are interested, with intent to cause alarm to that person or those persons, or to cause that person or those persons to do any act which that person is or those persons are not legally bound to do, or to omit to do any act which that person is or those persons are legally entitled to do, as the means of avoiding the execution of such threat; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid6046347 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3699975 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 is guilty of a misdemeanour. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid6046347 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3699975 \b\f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 If the threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, or to cause the destruction of any property by fire, or to cause an offence punishable with death or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years o r more, or impute unchastity to a woman, he is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for ten years.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par There can be no doubt that all the elements of the offence were proved on PW2\rquote s evidence of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 threat to burn the house down. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 Of course the 1st and 6th Respondents said they were not part of the group but the learned Magistrate was entitled to reject this evidence in relation to the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 6th Respondent\rquote s involvement. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 Further a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1205568 lthough there was only one benze}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 ne light on at the time, th e Respondents and the witnesses have known each other for many years and the identification took place over a significant period of time at close quarters. Further the identification of the 1st, 5th and 6th Respondents was corroborated as to presence at t he scene by the evidence of the 1st and 6th Respondents. \par \par There was sufficient evidence to convict each Respondent on Count 2. \par \par The second ground of appeal is that the charges were defective in that they should not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 have been on one charge sheet. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The facts i n respect of both counts were obviously closely linked. \par \par Section 120(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code provides: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11934658 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \'93 Any offences, whether felonies or misdemeanours, may be charged together in the same charge or information if the offences charged are founded on the same facts or form, or are part of, a series of offences of the same or a similar character.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par There was no prejudice to any of the Respondents in the joint trial, and to separate the charges when the source of the evidence was identical would not have been in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 the best interests of justice. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 This ground of appeal fails. \par \par Simila}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 rly ground (c) must also fail. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The learned magistrate specifically referred to the burden and standard of proof in convicting the Respondents. \par \par Ground (d) is that the prosecution did not call the other villagers who had come to help PW2 at the time of th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 e fire. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 It is entirely the prosecution\rquote s prerogative as to which and how many witnesses to call }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 to prove the prosecution case. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 This discretion is of course subject to the general duty of the prosecutor to disclose all rel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 evant evidence to the defence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The court\rquote s duty is to assess the evidence called and to decide whether or not the case is p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 roved beyond reasonable doubt. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 In this case the prosecution had no duty to call any additional witnesses, particularly when they called two witnesses who appeared to have given their evidence in a stra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 ight forward and clear manner. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 There is no legal requirement for corroboration in a prosecution for arson or criminal intimidation, nor for iden tification in circumstances such as those of this case. \par \par Ground (e) has n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 o merit. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 Simply ruling on a no case to answer submission, or at the end of the prosecution case even when no submission is made, does not lead to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 an assumption of pre-judgment. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The test at the end of the prosecution case is an objective one and does not require an assessment of credibility. \par \par I have dealt wit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 h ground (f) under ground (a). }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 As for ground (g), there is nothing in the judgment to suggest that the learned Magistrate placed a ny weight at all on the evidence that there had been confessions made to the Roko Tui Kiuva. Indeed, he correctly pointed out that the evidence was hearsay. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 Sentence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid11934658 Donato Vakabale v. The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 Crim. App. No. HAA0051 of 2002, I c}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 onsidered sentences for arson. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 In that case the appellant had been given 4 years imprisonment partly because the appellant had threatened to kill anyone who helped the occupants of the house that had burnt, escape. I upheld that sentence. \par \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid11934658 Amina Koya v. The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1205568 CAV0002.19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 97, the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court upheld a 2 year term of imprisonment for arson motivated by financial gain. There was no danger to any person because the building was unoccupied. \par \par In this case the Respondent appears to have ensured that the house w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 as empty when he lit the fire. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 However the fact that he accompanied a group of men who threatened the occupants, the fact that the arson was motivated by revenge and the serious consequences of the arson on the victims who were forced to leave the village they called home, called for a sentence within the 2-4 year r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 ange. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 With a starting point of 3 years imprisonment, reduction for the previous good character and other mitigation, and increase for the aggravating factors I have outlined, I see nothing wrong in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 principle, with a 3 year term.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 Arson is a most serious offence with a maximum }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 sentence of life imprisonment. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 A family\rquote s home and belongin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 gs were destroyed in the fire. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The children of the family may never recover for the trauma of what they saw on the night of the 19th of January 1999. \par \par Similarly, in respect of the offence of criminal intimidation, the maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment because the \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 threat\'94 was to burn the house. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The Respondents acted as a group to put fear in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 to the occupants of the house. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 The occupants included men, women and children. Committed in the middle of the night, and involving the use of dangerous weapons, the offence ca}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 lled for a deterrent sentence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 Although I have been unable to establish a tariff for criminal intimidation in respect of threats to burn property, a two year term of imprisonment does not appear excessively }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11934658 long, even for first offenders.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 I decline to reduce the sentences. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 Result \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par The appeal against convictions and sentence fail. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1205568 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid11934658 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid1205568 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5312842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5128098\charrsid5312842 \par At Suva \par 12th March 2004 \par }}