{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;} {\f37\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020f0502020204030204}Calibri{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f176\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f177\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f179\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;} {\f180\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f181\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f182\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f183\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;} {\f184\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f546\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Calibri CE{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f547\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Calibri Cyr{\*\falt Century Gothic};} {\f549\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Calibri Greek{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f550\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Calibri Tur{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f553\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Calibri Baltic{\*\falt Century Gothic};}}{\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\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\f37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid9129056 Normal;}{\*\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 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\f37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext15 \styrsid9129056 No Spacing;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\f37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \slink17 \styrsid9129056 header;}{\*\cs17 \additive \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\f37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon10 \slink16 \slocked \styrsid9129056 Char Char1;}{\s18\ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\f37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 \styrsid9129056 footer;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid398449\rsid811014\rsid862776\rsid1340368\rsid1377226\rsid1598413 \rsid1972231\rsid2193419\rsid2309175\rsid2371452\rsid2504626\rsid2506087\rsid3176464\rsid3422714\rsid3810279\rsid3822112\rsid3831056\rsid4160285\rsid4329331\rsid4331392\rsid4744076\rsid4815830\rsid4855016\rsid4931203\rsid5052173\rsid5062183\rsid5123780 \rsid5592493\rsid6060947\rsid6160848\rsid6170903\rsid6308435\rsid6514138\rsid6782860\rsid6953338\rsid7366506\rsid7483118\rsid7958375\rsid8016262\rsid8083724\rsid8270074\rsid8524331\rsid8598875\rsid8790013\rsid9129056\rsid9189166\rsid9452663\rsid9455426 \rsid9776131\rsid10043685\rsid10712439\rsid10749241\rsid11014019\rsid11292607\rsid11355540\rsid11404427\rsid11813687\rsid11880640\rsid11928628\rsid12063525\rsid12081942\rsid12193586\rsid12211158\rsid12546474\rsid12921552\rsid12931985\rsid12983114 \rsid13002013\rsid13979088\rsid14055906\rsid14105686\rsid14108652\rsid14496123\rsid14501709\rsid14510136\rsid14695321\rsid14967201\rsid15032169\rsid15159555\rsid15297671\rsid15358066\rsid15405516\rsid15541791\rsid15560408\rsid15864576\rsid15945946 \rsid16592213\rsid16597937\rsid16671932}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author ruddley_e}{\operator ruddley_e}{\creatim\yr2010\mo4\dy12\hr13\min23}{\revtim\yr2010\mo4\dy12\hr13\min33}{\version1}{\edmins10} {\nofpages3}{\nofwords954}{\nofchars5442}{\*\company PacLII}{\nofcharsws6384}{\vern24689}}\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180 \dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1\jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot9129056\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9129056 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9129056 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9129056 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9129056 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid7360718\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\pararsid9129056 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 AT SUVA \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 CRIMINAL JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Criminal Case No: HAC 177 of 2007 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 FIJI INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 V \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 INOKE DEVO \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Hearing}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 :\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 3 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 rd\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 March \hich\f0 \endash \loch\f0 6\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 th\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 April 2010 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Sentence}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 :}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 9\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 th\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 April 2010 \par \par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Counsel}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 :}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Mr. S. Dissanayake & Ms \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 E. Leweni for FICAC \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Mr. R. Chaudhary for Accused \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 SENTENCE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [1]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Inoke Devo, you appear for sentence having been convicted of three counts of abuse of office following a trial.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The offences are misdemeanours. The maximum penalty for each offence is 2 ye\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ars imprisonment. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 2\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 At the time of the offending you were the Commissioner Central.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 You joined the public service in \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 1974 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 and over the years rose to the position of the Commissioner Central in 2002.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 You held a v \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 e\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ry senior position in the public servic\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 e. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 3\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The abuse of authority of your office arose from incidents where you directed \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 a number of \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 your staff to collect alcohol during working hours in the government vehicle for unofficial functions. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 4\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Two incidents which were subject of counts 7 and 9\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 relate to collection of liquor from various liquor outlets for your office Christmas parties in 2005 and 2006 respectively.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The incident subject of count 3 relate to collection of alcohol from various nightclubs for an unofficial cocktail \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 party at \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Tradew\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 inds Hotel in 2006. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 5\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The evidence show a pattern. \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The Office of the Commissioner Central processed liquor licences although the renewal of licences were approved by the Liquor Tribunal.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Being the Commissioner, you were the head of the office. \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 By vir\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 tue of your position you were a member of the Liquor Tribunal. \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 You signed the liquor licences before they were issued. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 6\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 In December 2005 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ,\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 you \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 authorized\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the unlawful expenditure of public funds by sending out your staff members in government vehicles \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 to collect liquor and alcoholic beverages from various liquor outlets within the Central Division for your office Christmas party, which was an arbitrary act in abuse of the authority of your office and prejudicial to the rights of the State. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 7\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The foll\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 owing year in 2006, you did the same thing. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 8\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 In March 2006\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 , \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 you authorized the unlawful expenditure of public funds by sending out your staff members in government vehicles to collect liquor and alcoholic beverages from various liquor outlets within th\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 e Central Division which was an arbitrary act in abuse of the authority of your office and prejudicial to the rights of the State. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 9\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Then in December 2006, you authorized the unlawful expenditure of public funds by sending out your staff members in gove\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 rnment vehicles to collect liquor and alcoholic beverages from various liquor outlets within the Central Division for your office Christmas party, which was an arbitrary act in abuse of the authority of your office and prejudicial to the rights of the Sta \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 t\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 e. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 10}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The loss you have caused \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 cannot be measured in monetary terms because there has been no evidence led of any financial loss to the State. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 11}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 However, the persisten \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 t\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 use of government vehicles and official staff to collect liquor for unofficial f\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 unctions\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ,\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 is \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 a serious abuse of authority of your office by you.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 You abused the authority of your of}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 fice for illegitimate reasons. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 You took advantage of your position and conferred benefits for yourself and others by obtaining alcohol from members of th\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 e\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 public who you came in know\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 when discharging\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 your official duties. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 12}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Your actions were not only harmful to the government but to the public as well.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 You gave a perception to the people whom you collected liquor by using your staff and official vehicl\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 e, that the Commissioner Ce\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ntral\hich\f0 \rquote \loch\f0 s Office was rife \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 with misuse of public resources. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 13\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 I now turn to consider the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 matters which I can properly take into account in mitigating sentence. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 14\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Your previous good character and record of public service can \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 assist you only to a limited extent.\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 It is accepted, rightly in my view, that those who offend in their \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 capacity as\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 holder\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 of public \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 office\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 cannot have their office weighed in their favour on sentence. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 15\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Now this does not mean a man in your position i\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s not entitled to an allowance for good character and public service.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The principle is that the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 good character of a person holding high office who commits a crime \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 relating \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 to the performance of his office cannot form a basis for the same mitigation of sen\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 tence as is the case of an ordinary citizen committing a crime. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 16\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 However, as a matter of sentencing principle, I accept recognizing a fall from grace is punishment itself, and recognizing the greater potential for rehabilitation where community involv\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ement and good character bear witness to a reduced probability of reoffending.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 In this regard, I take into account all that have been said on your be\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 half about your good character\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 .}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 I take into account that you are a married man with family responsibiliti\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 es.\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 I take into account\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 your medical condition and \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the age of the offences. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 17\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 I have been\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 referre\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 d to\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 cases of abuse of office for sentencing guidelines.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 I bear \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 in mind that the sentences were imposed on the particular facts\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 of each case.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The senten\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ces can range from probation order to imprisonment sentences. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 18}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 As I said earlier, I find the offences in this case to be serious.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 In imposing an appropriate sentence, I must hold you accountable for the harm done to the public perception about your h\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 igh office. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 19\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Secondly, your punishment should promote in you a sense of responsibility and acknowledgement for the wrong you have done. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 20}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Finally, the sentence should denou \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 nce your conduct and deter\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 others.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 I accept there is no risk of yo \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ur\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 reoff\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ending but a high priority\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 must be placed on the need for general deterrence and for issuing a message that con \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 duct of this kind is inexcusable\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 in our society. \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 21}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 F\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 or these\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 reason\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 , I do not consider a fine, probation order or suspended sentence is appro\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 priate. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 22}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Taking all these matters into account, I sentence you to 9 months imprisonment on each count of abuse of office.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 I order that you serve your sentence}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s concurrently.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 23}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 In summary the sentences are: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Count 3\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 -\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 9 months imprisonment \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Count\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 7}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 -\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 9 months imprisonment \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Count 9}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 -\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 9 months imprisonment \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 24}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The sentences to be served concurrently. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Daniel Goundar \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9129056 {\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 At Suva \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 9\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 th\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 April 2010 \par \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Solicitors: \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9129056\charrsid9129056 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Office of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption for Prosecution \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Messrs.\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Gordon & Chaudhary for Accus\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ed}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1972231\charrsid9129056 \par }}