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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid13860727 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5265320 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 RAMESH CHAND
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid5265320 Appellant
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid5265320 Respondent
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16263981  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 5th March 2004
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid13860727 12th March 2004
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16263981  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Appellant In Person
\par Ms. A. Prasad for State
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid5265320 
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\par This is an appeal against conviction and sentence. The Appellant pleaded guilty in the Nausori Magistrates\rquote  Court to the following offence:
\par 
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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid5265320 NG MONEY BY FALSE PRETENCE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 :}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid330296  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Contrary to Section 309 (a) of the Penal Code, Cap. 17.
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RAMESH CHAND s/o MAHESH PRASAD, between the 3rd March, 1998 to 8th April, 1998 at Nausori in the Central Division with intent to defraud, obtained $4000.00 in cash from Kamla Devi d/o Shankar Nair pretending that he would arrange visa for her two daughter
s to Australia, such representation being false and he converted the money to his own use.
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\par Although ordinarily there can be no appeal against conviction on a plea of guilty, the Appellant says that his plea was equivocal and this conviction should be set aside.
\par 
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The grounds of appeal are as follows:
\par 
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The trial Magistrate erred in convicting because the plea was equivocal.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4999395 2}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5265320 . }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 That the delay in continuation of trial after two years in February 2003 prosecution interview another witness which delayed the trial.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4999395 3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5265320 . }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 That I appeal against delay in continuation of trial which was refused by Senior Court Clerk of Nausori Magistrate Court on 12th June, 2002.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4999395 4}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5265320 . }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 That the money was loaned which was to be returned on 3rd June, 1998 according to the agreement.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4999395 5}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5265320 . }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 That the trial Magistrate erred in preparing his sentencing and not concentrating in what he is writing in sentencing.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4999395 6}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5265320 . }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 The trial Magistrate erred in law and not considering that I was unrepresented by counsel.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4999395 7}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5265320 . }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 That the charge complaint by police is irregular.
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\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4999395 8}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5265320 . }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 That the conviction was unsafe and unsatisfactory.
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Sentence is harsh and excessive.
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\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid4999395 The hearing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid4999395 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par The charge was filed on the 14th of November 2000. The case was first called on that day and the App
ellant pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned for disclosure, for the non-appearance of the Appellant, for the failure of the court registry to issue a Production Order, for non-appearance of the Appellant\rquote s counsel, for the Prison Department
\rquote s failure
 to bring the Appellant to court on time, for the non-appearance of witnesses and for late disclosure by the prosecution. On 23rd May 2002 when the prosecution witnesses failed to appear, the Appellant asked for an acquittal but that application was refus
ed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13860727  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
On another hearing date (the 11th of April) the Appellant did not appear because the Production Order had not been served, but his counsel also failed to appear for no apparent reason.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
On the next hearing date, again the Appellant failed to appear despite t}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 he issue of a Production Order.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
 Mr. A. K. Singh was contacted because he also had absented himself and he told the Court Clerk that he was no longer representing the Appellant \'93due to non-payment of fees.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
The matter then proceeded on the 8th of October 2003}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 , without counsel. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 This time}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 
 the Appellant pleaded guilty. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 The facts were read out on the 14th of October 2003.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
They were that Kamla Devi and Ram Kirpal were a married}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266  couple living in Wainibokasi. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 The A
ppellant promised to arrange for their daughters to travel to Australia and said he would arrange visas for them in exchange for $4000.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13860727  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
Kamla Devi gave $4000 to the Appellant in the presence of Ram Kirpal in four instalments, from March 1998 to April 1998.
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13860727 The facts then read:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 \'93
Furthermore Ramesh Chand stated that the total of $4000 given to him was to be repaid by 3rd June 1998 to Kamla Devi and Ram Kirpal. After June 1998 Kamla Devi have been enquiring with Ramesh Chand about repaying the $4000.00 or 
even the results of processing the visas for her daughters. Ramesh Chand replied that it was still in the process.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par The complainant then repo}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14826630 rted the matter to the Police. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 The Police discovered that no application for visas had ever been received by the 
Australian High Commission on behalf o}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 f Kamla Devi\rquote s daughters. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
Under caution the Appellant admitted taking the $4000 but said that he had not repaid the money because Kamla Devi had reported the matter to the Police.
\par 
\par The Appellant admitted the fac}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14826630 ts and 36 previous convictions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
 In mitigation he said that the case was very old, he was married with two children, that he had not offended since 1998 and that because of the delay in the case he should be given a concurrent sentence.
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate then sentenced the Appellant to two years imprisonment. The Learned Magistrate took into account the Appellant\rquote 
s mitigation, the sentences of the case, the delay in the hearing, the effect of the offending on the complainant who was in court at the sentencing hearing, and the Appellant\rquote s failure to pay back the money.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13860727  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 He also took in}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 to account the plea of guilty. }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 He ordered that the sentence run concurrently with his existing term of imprisonment.
\par }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid13860727 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid14579266 The conviction
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par The Appellant submitted that he pleaded guilty out of frustration and said that the facts}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266  did not disclose the offence. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
The history of this case shows a quit}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 e unacceptable degree of delay.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
 Much of the delay can be attributed to the court system for failing to issue production orders when the court knew that the Appellant was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 in prison. }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 The prosecution }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 is also not exempt from blame. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
Why were statements still being disclosed three ye}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 ars after the charge was laid? }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Finally the Appellant\rquote 
s counsel appears to have voluntarily removed himself from the case without informing the court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13860727  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Such cond}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 uct was not only discourteous. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 It was also}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14826630  responsible for further delay.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645  In all of this delay, I find that the Appell}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14826630 ant was largely unblameworthy. }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 In the circumstances his frustration was un
derstandable, particularly when he must have known, that the longer the delay the better the chances of a lengthening of his prison term even if a concurrent sentence were to be imposed.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 I now turn to the facts.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13860727  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 In order to establish an offence in obtain
ing by false pretences, the prosecution must lead evidence or read facts, which establish the following elements:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13860727\charrsid11680645 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 1. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 The accused obtained;

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 2. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Money or benefits;
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 3. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 For his own use;
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 4. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 By;
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 5. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 False Pretences;
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 6. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 With intent to defraud.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par The Appellant agreed that he obtained $4000 from the victims but it is not at all clear from the facts on wha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 t basis he obtained the money. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 On the one hand it was alleged that he obtained the money as a result of a ver}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 bal agreement to obtain visas. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 But on the other hand, the State referred to the money as a loan and said that the victim complained because he neither paid the money}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266  back nor processed the visas. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
If the State was saying that the money was taken to apply for visas then this could not be a false pretence. Anyone can apply for visas and any person has the capacity to do so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Further a future promise (I will get a visa for you if you give me $4000) is not a false pretence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13860727  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 A false pretence is a representation of an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266  existing fact which is false. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid1250119 R }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1250119 -}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid1250119 v- Dent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
 (1955) 2 ALL ER 806, the appellant who carried on a business as a pest destructor, agreed to destroy vermin on a farm and received}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266  part-payment for the contract. He did no work at all.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645  His conviction for obtaining money by false pretences, was quashed, on the ground that there was no misrepresentation of an existing fa}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 ct. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 In what way did the facts in this case disclose an }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 
existing fact which was false? }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 They did not disclose a false pretence and the reference to the paying back of the m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 
oney causes further confusion. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 I find the facts to be ambiguous and I consider that they were incapable in law of establishing the offence charged.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266\charrsid11680645 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 In the circumstances the conviction ca}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 nnot stand and must be quashed.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid13860727 Result
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par It is unnecessary to conside}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 r the other grounds of appeal. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
However I do observe that when a victim is in court and wishes to make submission about the impact of the offending on him or her, a court should }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid1250119 either}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645  hear the evidence on oath thus giving the accused an opportunity to cross-examine, }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid1250119 or}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645  require the prosecution to outline the impact on the victim in the facts outlined, so that the accused is able to d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 
ispute it if he/she disagrees. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Either way the victim impact }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 evidence is properly recorded. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 In this case there is no record of the victim appearing in court or giving evidence, but the court relied on what the victim said in the cou}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14579266 rse of his sentencing remarks. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 Such a procedure is irregular and lacks transparency.
\par 
\par The conviction is a nullity and is quashed. This is a serious offence but the age of it
 (1998) and the fact that the Appellant is already serving a lengthy prison term thus rendering a consecutive term unlikely, persuade me not to order a re-hearing. The appe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1250119 
al against conviction succeeds.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid11680645 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid13860727 Nazhat Shameem
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13860727 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid13860727 
\par At Suva
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11680645 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4981199\charrsid13860727 12th March 2004
\par }}