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\par AT SUVA
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 THE STATE
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 MOSESE JEKE
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\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 Hearing:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 21st May 2010
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\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 Counsel:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 Ms M. Tikoisuva for State
\par Ms S. Vaniqi for Respondent
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\par [1]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 The State appeals against an order of absolute discharge made by the Magistrates\rquote 
 Court in favour of the respondent, after he pleaded guilty to the following offence:
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Contrary to section 224(a) of the Penal Code, Cap 17.
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MOSESE JEKE on the 26th day of January, 2009 at Naibosamoto, Lutu, Wainibuka, Naitasiri in the Central Division with intent to cause grievous harm to SERU VATILIAI unlawfully wounded the said SERU VATILIAI with a cane knife.
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The grounds of appeal are that the learned Magistrate erred in law and fact in discharging the respondent without conviction and that the sentence was manifestly lenient having regard to all the circumstances of the case.}{
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\par 
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Where a court by or before which a person is found guilty of an offence, not being an offence
 for which a fixed sentence is prescribed by law, is of opinion, having regard to the circumstances including the nature of the offence and the character of the offender, that it is inexpedient to inflict punishment and that a probation order under the Pr
o
bation of Offenders Act is not appropriate, the court may, with or without proceeding to conviction, make an order discharging him absolutely, or, if the court thinks fit, discharging him subject to the condition that he commits no offence during such per
i
od, not exceeding twelve months from the date of the order, and subject to such other conditions, if any, including the payment of costs or compensation, or the restitution of goods or the payment of money in lieu of goods, as may be specified in such ord
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\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
\par [4]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 In }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 State v. Nayacalagilagi}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783  (2009) FJHC 73; HAC 165.2007 (17 March 2009)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
 this Court considered the principles upon which the discretion under section 44 are exercised and said:
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
Subsequent authorities have held that absolute discharge without conviction is for the morally blameless offender, or for an offender who has committed only a technical breach of the law (}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 State v. Nand Kumar [2001] HAA014/00L; State v Kisun Sami Krishna [2007] HAA040/07S; Land Transport Authority v Isimeli Neneboto [2002] HAA87/02)}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 .}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 In }{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 Commissioner of Inland Revenue v Atunaisa}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
Bani Druavesi [1997] 43 FLR 150 HAA 0012/97}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 , Scott J held that t
he discharge powers under section 44 of the Penal Code should be exercised sparingly where direct or indirect consequences of convictions are out of all proportion to the gravity of the offence and after the court has balanced all the public interest cons
iderations.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 [5]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
The facts show that on the day of the incident the complainant overheard his aunt gossiping about him to his grandfather.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
The complainant got angry and threatened to assault the aunt.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 The respondent was cleaning his garden with a cane knif
e when he heard the commotion. He ran to the complainant and hit him twice using the blunt side of the cane knife. The medical report showed the complainant received minor scratches and tenderness to his body. 
\par 
\par [6]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 In mitigation the respondent said he was
 29 years old, married and a farmer by profession. He was a first time offender and he showed remorse by pleading guilty on the first day he appeared in court.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 The complainant was his cousin and they lived in the same settlement.
\par 
\par [7]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 In his sentencing remarks the learned Magistrate noted that the respondent\rquote 
s action was wrong, but understandable. After noting that the respondent was a first time offender and had pleaded guilty, the learned Magistrate discharged him without recording a conviction.
\par 
\par [8]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 The 
offence of act with intent to cause grievous harm is no doubt a seriousness offence. The maximum penalty for the offence is 14 years imprisonment. The offence requires a specific intention, namely, }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 to cause grievous harm}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 .}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 The offence is aggravated if a w
eapon is used to inflict grievous harm. 
\par 
\par [9]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
The court takes a serious view to this offence. The tariff for the offence is between 6 months to 5 years imprisonment depending on the nature of attack }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 (}{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 State v Mokubula}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783  [2003] FJHC 164}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 ). 
\par 
\par [10]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
By prescribing a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment, the legislature has imputed moral responsibility on anyone found guilty of it.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 Anyone committing this offence therefore cannot escape punishment and defeat the clear intention of the legislature by an absolute discharge order.
\par 
\par [11]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 Furthermore, in my judgment, the absolute discharge order cannot be sustained even on the facts of this case.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 Albeit the complainant was not seriously injured, a cane knife was used to resolve a family conflict. The cou
rt should not condone use of a cane knife in a family conflict. The circumstances of the case warranted imposition of a sentence on the respondent despite his previous good character.
\par 
\par [12]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 For these reasons, I find the learned Magistrate erred in the exer
cise of his discretion to discharge the respondent without recording a conviction and without imposing a sentence. The learned Magistrate should have convicted the respondent and imposed an appropriate sentence. A suspended sentence would not have been wr
ong in principle on the facts of this case.
\par 
\par [13]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 I make the following orders:
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 1. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
Appeal is allowed.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 2. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
Discharge order is quashed.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 3. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
Respondent is convicted on his plea of guilty.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783 4. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
Respondent is sentenced to 6 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months [sentence explained].
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 Daniel Goundar
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid3429592 JUDGE}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid3429592 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14287783 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid14287783 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287783\charrsid3429592 At Suva
\par 2nd July 2010}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid3429592 
\par }}