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)}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 \f36\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Criminal Appeal No: HAA44 of 2010 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 BETWEEN: \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 VETAIA WAQALEVU \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Appellant \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 AND: \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 THE STATE \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Respondent \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par Hearing:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 8th October 2010 \par Judgment:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 25th October 2010 \par \par Counsel:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Appellant in person \par Mr. L. Fotofili for State \par \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par [1]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The appellant pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and theft in the Nausori Magistrate}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 s Court and was sentenced to concurrent terms of 5\'bd years imprisonment and 4\'bd years imprisonment.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 He appeals against sentence. \par \par [2]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 He has advanced numerous grounds of appeal in his own words. Only the complaints relating to his guilty plea and previous convictions have merits. \par \par [3]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 According to the charge sheet, the appellant was charged on 21 June 2010.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 He was taken to the Court on the same day for arraignment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 He pleaded guilty after waiving his right to counsel. \par \par [4]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The facts were that the appellant broke into the house of the complainant at night while he was attending a wedding with his family. The appellant stole household items to a total value of $1690.00. \par \par [5]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The sentencing remarks of the learned Magistrate reads: \par \par }\pard \s15\ql \li294\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin294\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The maximum penalty of Burglary is 13 years and Theft is 10 years imprisonment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Looking at the severity of the offence }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Count 1}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 , the appropriate starting is 5 years.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 I will add 1 year for the fact that the goods were not recovered plus he is not a 1st offender.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 He has 9 previous convictions.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Mitigation and guilty plea \endash 6 months discount. \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li294\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin294\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Count 2}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 , I will start with 4 years with addition of 1 year for no recovery.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 From the 5 years, I will reduce 6 months for his guilty plea and mitigation. \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li294\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin294\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Accused has similar offence and does not learn. \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li294\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin294\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Count 1:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Therefore I sentence the accused to 5\'bd years imprisonment. \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li294\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin294\itap0\pararsid7296199 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Count 2:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 And for Count 2 the accused is sentenced to 4\'bd years imprisonment to run concurrent to each other.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 "}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par [6]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Three errors are discernible from the sentencing remarks.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Firstly, the learned Magistrate treated the appellant}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 s previous criminal convictions as an aggravating factor to enhance the sentence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Secondly, the learned Magistrate gave insufficient weight to the appellant}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 s early guilty plea.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Thirdly, the learned Magistrate failed to fix a non-parole period as required by section 18(1) of the Sentencing and Penalties Decree 2009. \par \par [7]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 When the appellant was sentenced, he already had thirteen previous convictions, mostly for theft related offences.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 However, his last conviction was in 2002.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 This meant that he had not re-offended for eight years. \par \par [8]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 It is settled law that an offender sho uld not be sentenced twice for the same offence. Therefore, it follows that when an offender is sentenced for a new offence, his previous convictions have limited relevance.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 An offender}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 s previous convictions deprive him of any discount based on previous good character.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Previous convictions cannot be used as a matter of aggravation to enhance the sentence for the new offence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 To do so will be punishing the offender twice for the same offence. \par \par [9]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The learned Magistrate considered the fact that the appellan t was not a first time offender as an aggravating factor to enhance the sentence by 1 year.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 This was an error of law in the sentence of the appellant. \par \par [10]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Under caution, the appellant admitted the offence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 He pleaded guilty upon arraignment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 He expressed remorse.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The learned Magistrate gave 6 months discount for mitigation and guilty plea. \par \par [11]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 There is no hard and fast rule about how much discount should be given to an offender who pleads guilty.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The length of reduction will depend on a number of factors such as admission made to police, timing of guilty plea and remorse expressed in mitigation.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 If the court is satisfied that the offender}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 s guilty plea is evidence of contrition, then substantial reduction ought to be given in sentence. \par \par [12]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The appellant was given 1/10 reduction in sentence for his guilty plea.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 In my judgment, the appellant was not given sufficient discount for confession to police and entering early guilty plea. \par \par [13]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 On the facts of this case, a reduction of more than 6 months should have been given for early guilty plea as evidence of contrition. \par \par [14]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 For these reasons, the appeal is allowed.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 The sentences are reduced to 3 years imprisonment for burglary and 2 years imprisonment for theft, to be served concurrently effective from 21 June 2010.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 I fix a non-parole period of 18 months imprisonment for both offences. \par \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid7296199 Daniel Goundar \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid7296199 JUDGE \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16202854 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par At Suva \par 25th October 2010 \par \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 Solicitors:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16202854\charrsid16202854 \par Appellant in person \par Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for State \par }}