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}}{\*\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\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT LAUTOKA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA 011 OF 2010 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 BETWEEN: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 JAGANNATH SAMI \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 AND: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Mr. S. Krishna for the Appellant \par Miss M. Fong for the Respondent \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8158205 Date of Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8158205 12 May 2010 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8158205 Date of Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8158205 24 May 2010 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Background \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The appellant was charged with one count of failure to obey road signs contrary to section 69(2) and 87 of the Land Transport (Traffic) Regulations 2000 on the 21st November 2008. \par \par [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 On the 13th January 2009 he pleaded not guilty and said he would exercise his right to be represented by Counsel.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The case was then }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 mentioned }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 and adjourned until the 24th April 2009 when it fell victim to the disorganization in the listings following the abrogation. \par \par [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 It was then further adjourned six times until the 16th February 2010 when in the absence of the accused, one witness was called to }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 formally prove}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 the charge.} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The Magistrate thereupon found that that the accused had committed the offence beyond reasonable doubt, convicted him and fined him $300. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The Appeal \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The appellant filed a timely appeal to this Court on the 17th March 2010 against conviction and sentence.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 His grounds against conviction being (as amended through his Counsel): \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 (i)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The Magistrate erred in not setting aside his judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 (ii)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 That the Magistrate erred in not having the case listed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 (iii) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 That the Magistrate erred in hearing the charge in the appellant\rquote s absence. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 (iv) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 That the Magistrate erred in failing to ensure proper discovery on the part of the Police. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par 4(b)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The grounds of appeal against sentence were: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 (i) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 That it was manifestly harsh and excessive. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 (ii) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Breach of Court Orders for disclosures (sic). \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par 4(c)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The appellant asks in addition for costs. \par \par [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 On the date of conviction, the 16th February 2010, the accused was present at Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 His case was not listed in the cause lists but on enquiry at the Registry he was told his case would be called in Court No. 1.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 He waited in Court No. 1 where his case was not called.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Further enquiries at the Registry revealed that his file could not be located and that he could leave and would be contacted with a new hearing date.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 However, unbeknown to the appellant his case was called in Court No. 1 after lunch when of course he was not present, and he was convicted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The appellant had befriended a Police Inspector on duty in the Court and after the conviction, this Inspector told the Magistrate that the accused had been present in the morning and suggested that the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 judgment}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 be set aside which the Magistrate quite properly refused to do. \par \par [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 In his written submissions, Counsel for the Appellant seeks to rely on section 172 of the Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 which reads as follows: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Section 172 Conviction in absence of accused may be set aside. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 If the Court convicts the accused person in his or her absence, it may set aside the conviction upon being satisfied that the absence was from causes over which he or she had no control, and that there is an arguable defence on its merits.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par As Counsel for the State points out, that provision is conditional on the satisfaction of two tests:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 (i) that the absence was from causes over which the accused had no control and (ii) that there is at arguable defence on the merits. \par \par [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Counsel for the Appellant submits that the accused made every attempt to be present for the hearing of his case on the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 16th February 2010 but was thwarted by the Registry which had apparently misplaced his file.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Counsel conceded that he had made no submissions as to the arguable merits of the case, save as to say that despite repeated requests his client was never served with disclosures. \par \par [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Counsel for the Respondent, while raising the need to satisfy the two prong test in section 172, submitted t hat the unfairness occasioned to the accused on the 16th February 2010 led the State to concede the appeal, although Counsel was far from confident in that concession. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Analysis \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 In looking at all aspects of this appeal, it is the Court\rquote s view that it would be wrong of the State to concede this appeal.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 While it is of course commendable and responsible of the State to concede appeals which are meritorious, in cases of doubt the Court is of course not bound by an ill considered concession. \par \par [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 On the 12 occasions that this matter was called before the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 12th February 2010, the Court Record shows that the accused was absent on five occasions, thereby causing unnecessary delay to the proceedings. \par \par [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The hearing on the 12th February 2010 was set for }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Formal Proof}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 , a common procedure in the hearing of traffic cases and when it is normal for the accused persons not to be present.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The Magistrate quite properly exercised his discretion to find the case proved beyond reasonable doubt, and so convicted and fined. \par \par [12]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The treatment of the accused on the 12th February was most unfortunate in that he did endeavour to be present, nevertheless it is difficult to imagine how he would have been able to mount an }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 arguable defence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 to an offence of strict liability.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 There was no reason why the Magistrate should have set aside his judgment and for the Police Inspector to try to intervene was most improper. \par \par [13]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Counsel for the Appellant refers me to the case }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Matthew Lindsay Hodder v R}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 33 A Crim R from the Court of Criminal Appeal, NSW.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 That was an appeal by way of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 case stated}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 in which the Court held that relevant provisions of the Justice Act (1902) (NSW) permitted the Magistrate to convict and sentence in the absence of the defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 There was no risk of injustice inasmuch as the hearing would in itself have been a validly constituted hearing.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 It is difficult to understand how this case assists the appellant in taking the appeal forward. \par \par [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 It is not normal for an accused in a traffic offence case to be provided wit h disclosures and I find that no prejudice has been occasioned to him in not being served.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The only document used in the proceedings was a Fiji Police Statement Form which is included in the record.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Counsel criticized the informal nature of the document but the point is that it provides sufficient information to corroborate the evidence of the police witness. \par \par [15]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 I was initially troubled by the inconvenience afforded the applicant in the failure of the Registry to have his matter called in his presence, however on reflection it does not influence me in finding that his grounds of appeal are not made out.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 With his obvious indifferent attitude to the earlier hearings, marked by his failure to attend at least 5 of them, his attempt to make an issue of his absence from the formal proof hearing smacks of a cynical, tactical and strategic appeal. \par \par [16]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The appeal against conviction is dismissed. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Sentences \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par [17]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The maximum penalty for this offence is 3 demerit points, a fine of $500 and/or a term of imprisonment for 3 months.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The fine imposed by the Magistrate was well within the range prescribed by the legislat ion and cannot therefore be said to be harsh or excessive. \par \par [18]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 The appeal against sentence is also dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 Paul K. Madigan \par Judge \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8138627 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 At Lautoka \par 24 May 2010}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8138627\charrsid8138627 \par }}