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\b\fs24\insrsid1669429\charrsid1526908 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid3871935\charrsid6623480 AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1526908 {\fs24\insrsid1669429\charrsid1526908 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1526908 {\fs24\insrsid3871935\charrsid1526908 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{\fs24\insrsid15617257 0}{\fs24\insrsid3871935\charrsid1526908 034 OF 2004S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1526908 {\fs24\insrsid3871935\charrsid1526908 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1526908 {\fs24\insrsid3871935\charrsid1526908 Between:}{\fs24\insrsid1669429\charrsid1526908 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1526908 {\fs24\insrsid1669429\charrsid10030556 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1526908 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 SEMESA TUIBUA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1526908 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1526908 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1526908 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1669429\charrsid1526908 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1669429\charrsid10030556 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1526908 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 THE STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1526908 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1669429  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 29th April 2004
\par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1669429  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 6th May 2004
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1669429  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 Appellant in Person
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10030556 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 Mr. W. Kurisiqila for State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556\charrsid10030556 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10030556 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 JUDGMENT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
The Appellant was sentenced to two years imprisonment on the following charge:
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\b\fs24\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 HOUSE BREAKING ENTERING AND LARCENY}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 : Contrary to Sections 300}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 (a) and 270}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12648703  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 (a) of the Penal Code, Act 17.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\b\fs24\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 Particulars of Offence
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\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
SEMESA TUIBUA, on the 27th day of June 2001 at Nasinu in the Central Division, broke and entered the dwelling house of MANJULA WATI d/o Mani Rama and stole therein 1 Kawasaki brush-cutter valued at $1008.48, 1 Muster brand video deck valued at $1,258.00, 
Gold chain valued $300.00, 1 Panasonic disc walk-man valued at $700.00 and cash of $500.00 to the total value of $3766.48 the property of the said MANJULA RAMA.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par The grounds of appeal can be summarised thus:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 1. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
The Appellant was never seen at the crime scene and the police forced him to confess;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 2. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
No stolen item was exhibited in court;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15617257 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 3. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
There was insufficient evidence on which to base a conviction.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par The hearing in the Magistrates\rquote  Court was delayed because of the n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11811029 on-appearance of the Appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429  He was
 eventually brought to court on the 20th of August}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11811029  2003 and remanded in custody. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
The trial commenced on the 28th of October 2003. Manjula Devi gave evidence that on the 27th of June 2001 she left her home locked}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5862784  and returned to it at 2.25pm. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 She found it had been ransacked and the items specified in the charge missing. Her evidence as to the value of some of the property differed from the v}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11811029 alues specified in the charge. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 The brush-cutter and DVD player were eventually recovered by the police and returned to her.
\par 
\par PW2 was PC Maika Rogera who gave evidence that he attended the crime scene and discovered that three louvres h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5862784 ad been removed from a window. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 The brush-cutter and DVD player were recovered from an Indian man in Bureta Street. The Appellant was arrested }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5862784 
and interviewed under caution. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He initially denied the offence but later admitted it and directed the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5862784 
police to the stolen property. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He tendered the caution interview in carbon copy, the original being missing.
\par 
\par The interview was conducted at Valelevu Police Station at 6.30pm on the 16th of July 2001}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5862784 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
The Appellant said at first that he had been at home with his wi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5862784 fe at the time of the offence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 The interview was then s
uspended to check on the alibi and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5862784  for an identification parade. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 The interview continued on the following day at 11.59am}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5862784 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
He agreed that he had committed the offence and that he had taken the stolen items away in a taxi and that he sold them at Samabula to two Indian boys for $80 and $100.
\par 
\par The Appellant suggested that the interviewing officer had obtained the confession by assaults }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 and threats. This was denied. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
The next witness was the charging officer who said that the Appellant had taken the police to the person}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556  who held the stolen property. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He also tendered the charge statement which contained an admission as to the stealing of the brush cutter and deck.
\par 
\par The Appellant gave sworn evidence saying that he had not committed the offence and that the police had obt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 ained the confession by force. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He said he had been at home on the day of the break-in. His wife gave evidence saying that the Appellant had }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 
been at home with her all day. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 However under cross-examination she said that she had been coached to s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 ay what 
she had said in court. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 She ret}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 racted this on re-examination. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 Another witness, Ruci Rokowati, said that the accused was at her ho}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12648703 use on the day of the offence. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 She said she had been sitting in court when the Appellant had given evidence.
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate directed himself on the burden and standard of proof and summarised the evidence f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 or prosecution and defence. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He then said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10030556 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 \'93
When comparing and examining all the evidence, I am persuaded to accept PW2\rquote s caution statement of the accused and reject the accused\rquote s an}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 d his two witnesses\rquote  evidence. }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 I find as a matter of fact that the accused voluntarily confessed to the crime on 17.7.2001 w}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11811029 hen caution interviewed by PW2.}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429  I therefore find that the prosecution had proven his case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt and I find the accused guilty as charged.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par The learned Magistrate did not conduct a trial within a trial to determine ad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12648703 missibility of the confession. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
It is also unfortunate that he did not remind himself that the burden of proving admiss}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 ibility is on the prosecution. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
However, I do not consider these failures to be fata}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 l. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 The Appellant failed to put specific allegations of assaul}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 t to the interviewing officer. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He did not for instance elaborate on the nature, leng}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11811029 th and source of the assaults. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He was unable to produce any medical report showing the existence of any inju}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11811029 ries. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 Nor did he in his sworn evidence, give any detailed inform}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11811029 
ation about the alleged assault.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429  The grounds for challengin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 g the confessions were sparse. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 Further he never suggested to the charging officer that he had forced the confession, although the charge stateme}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 
nt also contains a confession. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 Lastly, although the procedure recommended by the Court of Appeal in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 
Vinod Kumar v. State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
 Cr. App. AAU0024 of 2000S was not followed, the Appellant chose to give sworn evidence and was therefore not prejudiced by a deprivation of an opportunity to give sworn evidence about the voluntariness of the interview.
\par 
\par The other gr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 ounds of appeal have no merit. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
The evidence against the Appellant was his confession and the recovery of the stolen items from the place show}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 n to the police by him. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 There was no need to exhibit the stolen items especially when the complainant said she had identified the two ite
ms specified as a result of the police showing them to her. Nor does the small difference in the value of the items affect conviction.
\par 
\par Section 122 of the Criminal Procedure Code requires charges to be framed with sufficient particularity so that the accused understands the subst}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 ance of the charges are clear. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 The discrepancy in the value of items does not reflect on the ingredients of the offence, and there wa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 
s no need to amend the charge. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 Further although the Appellant admitted to stealing only two items, the learned Magistrate obviously accepted the complainant\rquote s evidence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556  that more items were missing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par 
\par There was more than sufficient evidence to convict the Appellant. The appeal against conviction is dismissed.
\par 
\par The Appellant was senten}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 ced to two years imprisonment. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He is 35 years old and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556  sells barbecue at the market. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 He has 31 previous convictions of similar off}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 
ences. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 In the circumstances, the two year t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10030556 erm is not harsh or excessive. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 The appeal against sentence is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10030556 {\b\fs24\insrsid3871935\charrsid10030556 Nazhat Shameem
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1669429 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3871935\charrsid1669429 
\par At Suva
\par 6th May 2004
\par }}