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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 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\pararsid2821121 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA 018 OF 2010
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 BETWEEN:
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 1. ASELAI WAQANIVALU
\par 2. ERONI VAQEWA
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Appellants
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 AND:
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 STATE
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par Appellants both in Person
\par Ms N. Tikoisuva for the Respondent
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Date of Hearing:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 20 August, 2 & 15 September 2010
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Date of Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 22 September 2010
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 On the 19th March 2010 in the Lautoka Magistrates Court, 
these two appellants were convicted after trial on one charge of robbery with violence contrary to section 293(1)(a) of the Penal Code, Cap. 17.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 They were sentenced on the 18th May 2010 to terms of imprisonment being 6 years and 6 months for the first appellant, and seven years for the second appellant.
\par 
\par [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Both appellants now appeal against conviction and sentence.
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Facts}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par 
\par [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The facts revealed at trial show that on the 27th
 November 2008, at about 4.00pm, the two accused, both unemployed at the time, hired a taxi in Kashmir and ordered it to go to Ragg Street in Simla.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 When stopping in Ragg Street, the first accused who had been sitting in the front passenger seat got out and went to the driver}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 s side where he pulled out the ignition key and punched the driver}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 s face.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The second accused, seated in the rear, put his arm around the driver}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 s neck and put a blunt knife to his neck.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
They stole $85 from under the floor mat, $30 in loose coins, $80 in cash from the driver}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
s pocket, $45 from his trouser pocket and his mobile phone.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 They then fled.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 They were both subsequently arrested and made confessions during interviews under caution.
\par 
\par [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The first appellant has seven grounds of appeal against conviction and three against sentence.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The second appellant relies on five grounds of appeal against conviction and three against sentence.
\par 
\par [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Both appellants}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
 grounds of appeal can together be distilled as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 (i) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
Against conviction; (i) that the learned Magistrate relied too much on the uncorroborated evidence of the victim taxi driver;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 (ii)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 that the identification was flawed and that an identity parade should have been arranged;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 (iii)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 that they were denied their rights to legal representation; and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 (iv)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 that a witness to the robbery was never called to give evidence.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par Against sentence, both pray that the sentences passed were manifestly harsh and excessive and that the Magistrate relied too much on the State submissions rather than the convicted accuseds}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121  submissions.
\par 
\par [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The second accused further relies on a ground against conviction (when it should be a ground against
 sentence) that the Magistrate failed to take into account his early guilty plea, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 thus saving the precious time of the Court}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 .
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par The Trial}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par 
\par [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The case for the prosecution consisted of the evidence of the complainant/victim who gave cogent evidence of the
 robbery on the 22 November.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
A police officer who recorded the two interviews under caution also gave evidence, and these were adduced into evidence.
\par 
\par [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The Magistrate found a case to answer and explained to both accused their rights.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par 
\par [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The first accused gave unsworn evidence, and the second accused elected to remain silent.
\par 
\par [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The new Criminal Procedure Decree of 2009 which came into effect on February 1st, 2010 removes the right of an accused person to 
make an unsworn statement from the dock, undoubtedly an exclusion to reflect the position in England where unsworn statements are unknown.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
The lapse of the Magistrate in this regard is perfectly understandable given at the time its very recent introduction into our procedural code.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Anyway two things arise from this error:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 (i)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 the accused was not prejudiced in any way because he was allowed to give evidence in a manner that he would not have been able to, had the new Decree been followed.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 If anyone was prejudiced it was the State, because they were not able to cross-examine him; and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 (ii)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 the Magistrate was at pains to point out quite properly that the two accused had not }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 put forward any defence as such.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
Yet it is the duty of the Court to see whether the prosecution has proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 There is obviously nothing in this procedural slip that would afford the first accused grounds for complaint.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Magistrates now must exercise great care in following the new Criminal Procedure Decree, and allow only sworn evidence or silence.

\par 
\par [12]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The Magistrate very fairly dismissed the evidence contained in the two cautioned interviews on the 
basis that the two were unrepresented and that they were not given the opportunity to challenge their admissibility.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 That left the u
ncorroborated evidence of the victim taxi driver.
\par 
\par [13]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The Magistrate was well aware of the risk of relying solely on uncorroborated evidence and used words such as }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 caution myself}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121  and }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 risk}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 He was obviously alive to the danger but went on most meticulously to examine the nature of the evidence and found the prosecution}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 s case proved nevertheless.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
Although the adjudicator must take care, there is nothing to stop him convicting on this evidence, and the fact that there might have been an eye witness (who is also alleged to have been robbed) is of no moment.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The State can call whoever they wish or decline to call witnesses as they wish.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 It is for the Magistrate to judge the case on the evidence before him, and not on what evidence there might have been.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 This ground must fail.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Identification
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 There was no identity parade.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The two accused were perchance seen at the Lautoka Police Station by the complainant who alerted the Police to their identity.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Of course identity parades are not obligatory, but when identity is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 in issue}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
, the Magistrate must take special care to analyse the circumstances of the identification giving due weight to the elements set out in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Turnbull}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121  such as time frame, lighting, distance etc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
It is quite apparent that the Magistrate was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 alive}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121  to the issue of identification and he very carefully dealt with the circumstances of the complainant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 s identification by each of these appellants.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
He was convinced that the identification of the accused at the Police Station was not }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 arranged}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 , and besides that, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
the complainant had enough time and opportunity to see the accused persons well during the commission of the crime}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 .
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 This ground too fails.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Another Witness }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 [15]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The complainant said in evidence that during the robbery, the sec
ond accused robbed a lady who was in the vicinity.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The ap
pellants submit that the fact that this lady was not called was unfair in that she could have corroborated the taxi driver.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 [16]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Apart from the fact that the evidence of this lady would be high
ly prejudicial to the cases of both accused, it is not incumbent on the prosecution to call every single witness that may have some bearing on the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The fact is, that witness was not called and it is not for the accused, nor the Magistrate to speculate why.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The Magistrate judges the case on the evidence before him and on that evidence alone he justified his decision to convict.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 This ground fails.
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Legal Representation
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 [17]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
Each appellant prays that he was denied proper legal representation and as a result, denied a fair trial.
\par 
\par [18]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The Court record below reveals that at first appearance on}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 8th December 2008 the then Magistrate explained in detail the legal rights to both accused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The first accused said he would look for a private lawyer and the second accused elected to represent himself.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par 
\par Again on the 29th December 2009, the rights to Counsel were explained: the 2nd accused waived right to Counsel.
\par 
\par [19]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 At trial commencing 11th February 2010, the Magistrate assisted the first accused 
in his defence who in turn asked appropriate questions of the witness.
\par 
\par [20]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
The second accused waiving his rights, and the first accused acquitting himself adequately, their lack of legal counsel has not prejudiced them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 In any event the first accused had from}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 8th
 December 2008 to 11 February 2010 to arrange Counsel, should he so have wished but he did not do so.
\par 
\par This ground fails.
\par 
\par [21]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Both of the appellants}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121  appeals against conviction are dismissed.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Sentence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 [22]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 As this Court said in }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Tagicaki and Lesuma}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 (HAA 19 of 2010) taxi
 robberies are very serious offences, which should be visited with sentences ranging from four to eight years.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The Magistrate in a 
very carefully crafted sentence was aware of this range.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Six months was allowed to the first accused for his mitigating circumstances
, whilst the second accused offered nothing in his own mitigation.
\par 
\par [23]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The sentences arrived at are well within the accepted range for taxi robberies and if anything could be regarded on the lenient sid
e, given the degree of violence occasioned to the driver.
\par 
\par [24]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 The appeals against sentence are without merit and dismissed.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Paul K. Madigan
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2821121 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2821121\charrsid2821121 
\par At Lautoka
\par 22 September 2010
\par }}