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{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr14\min46}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr8\min58}{\printim\yr2004\mo5\dy5\hr9\min55}{\version3}{\edmins1}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords601}
{\nofchars3429}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws4022}{\vern16391}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0
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{\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\pararsid9325880 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid5596925 AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9325880 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5596925 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 020 OF 2004S
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9325880 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Between}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 :
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9325880 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid1316809 THE STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9325880 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 And}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 :
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9325880 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid1316809 KEVUELI KUNAMOMO
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid1316809 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 Hearing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid1316809 4th May 2004
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 Judgment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid1316809 6th May 2004
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 Counsel:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Mr. D. Prasad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid1316809  for State
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in Person}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid5596925 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9325880 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 The Respondent was charged with the following offence:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Statement of Offence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 : Contrary to section 293(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15811772  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 (a) of the Penal Code, Cap 17
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Particulars of Offence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
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\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
KEVUELI KUNAMOMO, on the 28th day of October 2002, at Suva in the Central Division, robbed EMINONI KUMETE of a pair of shoes valued at $69.00, a gold r
ing valued at $48.00 and $120.00 in cash; all to the total value of $640.00, the property of the said Eminoni Kumete and at the time of such robbery did use personal violence to the said Eminoni Kumete.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
\par On the 5th of June 2003, the Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880  pleaded guilty to the charge. The facts were read. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
They were that the Respondent hired a taxi t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 o the Raiwaqa Shopping Centre. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 The driver asked him to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880  pay the fare, and he refused. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 The Respondent punched the taxi driver, and chased him with a p}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 iece of block held in his hand.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880  He stole $120.00 cash, a gold ring, shoes and a mobile phone to the total value of $640.
\par 
\par The Respondent admitted these fac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 ts and 22 previous convictions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
 In mitigation the Respondent expressed remorse, said he was a casual labourer at the wharf and that he ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 d a wife who worked in a caf\'e9. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Then, inexplicably, the learned Magistrate said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5596925 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 \'93
(1) Pursuant to section 169 of the Criminal Procedure Code reducing charge to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5596925 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid5596925 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 (2) Remanded in custody till 13/6/03 \endash  sentencing.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid5596925 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 (3) Order that Accused\rquote s wife be present for sentencing.\'94
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\par On the 13th of June she sentenced the Respondent to 3 mo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 nths imprisonment. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 He has now served that term.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
The Director of Public Prosecutions appeals against the decision of the Ma}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 gistrate to reduce the charge. }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 The grounds are:
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid5596925 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 (a) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
The Magistrate erred in law in reducing the charge without an application and hearing parties, convicting the Respondent of that charge.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid5596925 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5596925 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 (b) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
The Magistrate erred in law when she imposed a sentence that was manifestly lenient in all the circumstances of the case.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
\par There can be no doubt at all that the reduction of the charge has no legal o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 r factual basis at all. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
The facts disclose the offence of robbery with violence, and the Respondent, according to the court record agreed to those facts.
\par 
\par In court, at the hearing of this appeal however, both State counsel and the Respondent agreed that there had}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880  been dispute about the facts. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 State counsel said that the Respondent had denied the stealing of the items but had admitt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 
ed the punching of the driver. The Respondent agreed to this. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 This development, inexplicably, is not reflected on the court record.
\par 
\par If the facts were disputed, then the learned Magistrate should have vacated the plea of guilty, entered a not guilty plea and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880  set the case down for hearing.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880  By reducing the charge willy-nilly, without giving the prosecution a chance to call witness and prove its case, the le}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 
arned Magistrate was in error. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Section 169 of the Criminal Procedure Code gives no power to convict of a le}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 
sser offence on a guilty plea. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 In these circumstances the learned Magistrate should have either entered a not guilty plea, or asked the prosecution if they wished to amend the charge
 to substitute it with the lesser offence.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9325880 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
Because both parties agree that there was a dispute of the facts, entering a conviction for robbery with violence at this stage is not an option.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 I have no alternative but to quash the conviction and sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Result
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 The appeal succeeds.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
 The decision of the learned Magistrate to convict of an alternative offence is quashed as is the consequent sentence.
\par 
\par The Respondent has already served a sentence of three months, and the offence which is not the most serious of its kind, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 is now 1 year and 6 months old.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880  I consider that to ord}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880 er a re-trial would be unjust. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
No re-trial is ordered.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9325880 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 Nazhat Shameem}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325880\charrsid9325880 

\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1316809 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4346599\charrsid9325880 At Suva
\par 6th May 2004
\par }}