{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;} {\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f171\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f172\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;} {\f174\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f175\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f176\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f177\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);} {\f178\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f179\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f191\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f192\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;} {\f194\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f195\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f196\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f197\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);} {\f198\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f199\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}{\f521\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f522\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f524\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;} {\f525\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f526\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);}{\f527\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f528\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f529\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);} {\f530\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255; \red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{ \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\s1\ql \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{\s2\qc \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qc \li5760\ri0\sl480\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin5760\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{\s4\qc \li1152\ri720\sl480\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin720\lin1152\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \cbpat9 \f35\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden Document Map;}{\s16\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Body Text 2;}{\s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 header;}{\*\cs18 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}{\s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext19 \styrsid2521154 footer;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-1083434792\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat2\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listname ;}\listid559092415}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid559092415\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid2521154\rsid3614962\rsid4858319\rsid9572896\rsid10315741\rsid11558079\rsid12796647 \rsid15153872}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr14\min31}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr19\min13} {\printim\yr2004\mo4\dy29\hr9\min17}{\version3}{\edmins2}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1038}{\nofchars5920}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws6945}{\vern16391}} \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot10315741 \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\pararsid3614962 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid9572896\charrsid11558079 AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558079 0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 07 OF 2004S \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid4858319 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Between}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid3614962 : \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid4858319 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 THE STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid4858319 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 And}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid3614962 : \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid4858319 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 TOMASI RAWLANDS NIUMATASERE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 Hearing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 19th April 2004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 Judgment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 29th April 2004 \par \par Counse}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15153872 l: }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid2521154 Mr. B. Solanki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 for State}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2521154\charrsid10315741 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 The Respondent was charged with and convicted of the following offence:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid3614962 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11558079 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Statement of Offence}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11558079 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 FOUND IN POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 : Contrary to sections 8(b) and 41(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 114.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid3614962 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid3614962 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11558079 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Particulars of Offence}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11558079 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 TOMASI RAWLANDS NIUMATASERE, on the 7th day of April 2003, at Namara Village, Sanima, Kadavu in the Southern Division, was found in possession of Dangerous Drugs namely 37.6grms of Indian Hemp. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 \par He was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for twe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2521154 lve months. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The Director of Public Prosecutions appeals against that sentence on the following grounds: \par \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3614962 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 \'93(a)}{ \b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 that the learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact when he imposed a non-custodial sentence and not a custodial sentence; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 (b) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 that aforesaid sentence was wrong in principle and manifestly lenient having regard to all the circumstances of the case.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 \par The facts of the case were that the police received information that the Responde}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 nt was in possession of drugs. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 A search was conducted in his house on the 7th of April 2003 and some dried lea}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 ves were found in his bedroom. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The Respondent told the police that \'93it was marijuana leaves that he smokes to find r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 elief and not to harm anyone.\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 Upon further search they found a parcel of dried leaves under his }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 mattress. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 On ana lysis, it was confirmed that the Respondent had been in possession of 57.6 grams of c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 annabis sativa or Indian Hemp. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 Under caution, the Respondent agreed that he had been in possession of the marijuana and that he kept it for his own use. \par \par The Respondent agreed to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 these facts and was convicted. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 In mitigation he said that he regretted his actions, had started a family, was a member of the Methodist Church}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 and was married with one son. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The learned Magistrate then said: \'93Sentenced to 6 mont}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 hs imprisonment. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 As a second offence to be suspended for 12 months.\'94 \par \par The Respondent had one previous conviction of drunk and disorderly in 1989, and one previous conviction of being in possession of dangerous drugs, on 13th October 2000. For the latter conviction, he was ordered to serve a term of 3 months imprisonment. \par \par For the hearing of this appeal, he made written submissions attaching letters written by the head teacher of his children\rquote s school, and the head of his Yavusa, Sivorosi Cawanika. The latter, in a letter a ddressed to the court, said that the Respondent had changed since he was convicted of the offence, that he took care of his childr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 en and was a devoted Catholic. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The Respondent himself said that he was a single parent because his wife h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 ad left him and the children. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 He said he started to take marijuana to \'93drown his misery\'94 bu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 t that he no longer took drugs.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 He asks for a non-custodial sentence for the sake of his children. \par \par State counsel submits that a suspended sentence for a second offence under section 8(b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act is wrong in principle and is manifestly lenient. \par \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Meli Bavesi v. State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558079 Crim. App. HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 027 of 2004, Winter J considered an appeal against a 2 year term of imprisonment imposed on an appellant found in possession of les}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 s than 500 grams of marijuana. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The maximum term under the Dangerous Drug}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 s Act is 3 years imprisonment. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 His Lordship reviewed New Zealand authorities on drug sentences and considered that \'93the proper focus is the degree of involvement the offender might have in any commercial a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 spect of his drug possession.\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 He adopted the guidelines of the English Court of Appeal in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 R v. Aramah}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 76 Cr. App. R. 190. In that case the Court said that for possession of small amounts of Indian hemp for personal use, non-custodial measures such}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 as a fine may be appropriate. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 However repeat offenders should expect a custodial sentence. \par \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Lemeki Tunidau v. The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11558079 Crim. App. HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 045 of 2003, I suggested that an appropriate starting point would be the former m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 inimum term.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 In }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Meli Bavesi v. State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 (supra) Winter J reviewed a number of drug cases in New Zealand and found that in cases of possession with evidence of sale or supply, sentences ranged from 6 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 onths to 4 years imprisonment. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The longer sentences were imposed on offenders who were closely connected with the trade for commercial gain. \par \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 R v. Terewi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 (1999) 3 NZLR 62, the New Zealand Court of Appeal said that a short prison term should be imposed where the offender grew a small number of plants for personal use or non-commercial supply. \par \par There is no evidence to indicate that the Respondent wa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2521154 s supplying the drug to anyone.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The amount he possessed could qui}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 te feasibly be for his own use.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 He admitted personal use and has one previous conviction for being in possession of marijuana. \par \par In the circumstances, a prison sentence }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 would appear to be inevitable. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 However, I accept the representations made to me by the pastor of the Methodist Church, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 and by the head of his Yavusa. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 In particular I accept that he has made earnest attempts to rehabilitate himself since April of 2003 in order to be a responsible fat}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2521154 her to his four small children.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 I also accept that the Respondent is the only}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 care-giver for those children.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 In the circumstances of this case, I therefore consider that justice is best serve}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 d by a non-custodial sentence. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 However I do not consider that a suspended sentence provides sufficient ac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 countability for this offender.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 I am of the view that a community work order, served under the supervision of the probation officer for Kadavu, would better serve the interests of the community and of this Respondent. \par \par Section 3 of the Community Act provides that where an offence is punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years imprisonment, a court can order between 20 hours and 200 hours community se}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2521154 rvice in lieu of imprisonment. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The Respondent consents to such an order and I consider that the hospital, police station and churches on Kadavu can adequately provide suitable work for a community work order. \par \par I therefore sentence the Respondent to a total of 100 hours community work, to be supervised by the probation o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 fficer responsible for Kadavu. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 Within 72 hours of this judgment, the Respondent must report to the Probation Officer so that he or she can a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 rrange for his community work. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The Probation Officer must provide a report to the Chief Registrar of the High Court within 14 days }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2521154 of the completion of sentence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The 100 hours must be served within 6 months}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 of the date of this judgment. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 Any breach of the order is a criminal offence and renders the Respondent liable to prosecution under section 14 of the Act. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Result}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid3614962 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2521154 The State\rquote s appeal succeeds. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 The suspended sentence is set aside and substituted with a sentence of community work for 100 hours in Kadavu under the supervision of the Probation Officer (Kadavu). \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3614962 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 Nazhat Shameem}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3614962\charrsid3614962 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid3614962 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10315741 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572896\charrsid10315741 \par At Suva \par 29th April 2004 \par }}