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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 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\pararsid2368923 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA 015 OF 2010
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 THE STATE
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 1.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 ALIPATE NASEVANI
\par 2.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 SAULA NAVUKA
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Respondents
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Mr. M. Korovou for the State
\par Respondents in Person
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Date of Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 15 July 2010}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Date of Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 19 July 2010
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 On the 25th
 March 2010 in the Magistrates Court at Sigatoka, the two respondents pleaded guilty to two offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 The victim of the assaults is the sister of the first accused and the daughter of the second accused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par 
\par She was visiting from Australia, where she lives and the two accused being unhappy with her lifestyle }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 beat her}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
She returned to Australia on the same day of the hearing in the Sigatoka Court.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
The two accused, both farmers, told the Court that they had tried to reconcile with the victim.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 In response the learned Magistrate said this:
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 it is hoped that you will all reconcile over time given the family situation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Terminate proceedings}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Nothing less, nothing more.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 The Director of Public Prosecutions (}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 DPP}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
) now appeals that decision by the Magistrate on one ground alone, namely \endash 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 That the learned Magistrate erred in law in terminating the proceed
ings after the guilty plea as the termination of the proceeding contravened the requirements of section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Decree of 2009.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Whatever the merits of the application, the DPP himself }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 errs in law}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923  on two counts:

\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 (i) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 An appeal agai
nst an order for acquittal (if the accused were in fact acquitted) can only be appealed with the sanction in writing of the DPP pursuant to section 246(2) of the Criminal Procedure Decree.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 The DPP in this case purports to sanction the appeal by virtue o
f section 308(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code which at the time of the purported sanction (20 April 2010) was a section no longer applicable, the Code having been repealed.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 (ii)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Section 246(7) of the Criminal Procedure Decree clearly states that no right of appeal shall lie until the Magistrates Court has finally determined the guilt
 of the accused persons and therefore the DPP has no right of appeal.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 In this case proceedings were }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 terminated}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923  and no decision was given by the Magistrate as to whethe
r the accused persons, having pleaded guilty, were acquitted or not.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 The question therefore is:}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 does termination of proceedings equate with an acquittal?
\par 
\par [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 In dealing with this exact question, Winter J said in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Savou v State
}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923  \endash  HAA 111 of 2004}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 a stay or termination of proceedings should be deemed an acquittal because it is as if the prosecution was}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923  (sic) }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 never commenced.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 In appropriate circumstances where genuine 
reconciliation has promoted a just result the parties should be allowed to settle their differences, reconcile and move on without the baggage of accusation and conviction}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 This must be correct.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Despite the guilty plea, dismissal of a case must mean just that:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
proceedings are dismissed \endash  the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 slate wiped clean}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Given the wide range of 
sentencing provisions now imported into our legal system by the Sentencing and Penalties Decree 2009 and the explicit guideline in section 4(1) (d) of that Decree (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 to establish conditions so that rehabilitation of offenders may be promoted or facilitated}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 ), then the Magistrate obviously was intending to give effect to those provisions by dismissing the two charges.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 The point of the DPP\rquote 
s appeal (were it validly sanctioned) is that the Magistrate did not follow the provisions of section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Decree, 2009 in dealing with reconciliation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 By section 154(2) a Court can only proceed to promote reconciliation after }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 ensuring that the victim of violence does not submit to any proceedings being undertaken\'85by reason of pressure being exerted in any form}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 
"}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Such requirement obviously requires hearing from the victim;
 her consent as it were; and this was not done.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
The victim had left the jurisdiction when the case was called and the accused persons merely said that they had }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 tried}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
 to reconcile, which suggested that their attempts had been rebuffed.
\par 
\par [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 To be fair to the learned Magistrate, the section does not insist on effected reconciliation; it is a section that promotes 
reconciliation and it is quite clear that the Magistrate had such promotion in mind when he purported to terminate proceedings.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
It was in this Court\rquote s view a perfectly proper and merciful intent; sadly however he fell into error by (1) not having the consent of the victim and (2) using the word }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 terminate}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923  rather than }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 dismiss}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 .
\par 
\par [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Under the old law (section 163 Criminal Procedure Code) the Court was empowered to order proceedings to be stayed or termin
ated, and it is obvious that this experienced Magistrate had these powers in mind and not the new provision which had only been in effect for 6 weeks prior to this hearing: the new powers being to stay or dismiss.
\par 
\par [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 It is a point of interest that these proceedings should have rung the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Domestic Violence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923  bell in the Magistrate\rquote s head \endash 
 and under the provisions of the Domestic Violence Decree 2009 reconciliation is very much secondary to the wellbeing of the victim.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 If for 
this reason alone, the views of the victim should have been sought before an order of dismissal was made.
\par 
\par [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 It is ironical that such a seemingly simple case in which the Magistrate was obviously trying to effect justice with mercy,
 should lead to so many interesting questions of law namely, validity of consent, errors in terminology, the effect of a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 dismissal}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 , the bringing into play of the Domestic Violence Decree, the absence of victim\rquote s consent etc.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 [12]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
The power of the DPP to appeal an acquittal is an awesome power and one therefore that should be exercised with the utmost thoughtful discretion.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Although the Magistrate in this case did fal
l into procedural errors, his evident motives were merciful and just and the result not one that would be called into question by any right minded member of the community.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 The decision of the DPP to appeal in such a trivial case is heavy-handed and pedantic, but that is his discretion which will not be interfered with by the Courts.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 [13]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
Given that the DPP obviously intended to sanction the appeal, albeit not done by relevant authority, I allow the appeal to proceed. 
\par There is merit in the ground advanced by the DPP but pursuant to section 256(2)(f) of the Criminal Procedure Decree, I dismiss the appeal because there has been no substantial miscarriage of justice.
\par 
\par [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 For the removal of doubt, I order that the respondents be acquitted and discharged and 
encouraged to reconcile with their sister and daughter respectively, no matter what they think of her lifestyle.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 Paul K. Madigan
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2368923 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2368923\charrsid2368923 
\par At Lautoka
\par 19 July 2010
\par }}