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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LABASA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 VINAY VIKASH REDDY
\par F/N PREM KUMAR REDDY
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 APPELLANT
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 RESPONDENT
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 For the Appellant}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }
{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 In Person
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 For the Respondent}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Mr. Kaisamy}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par Date of Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 24.11.2010
\par Date of Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 26.11.2010
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\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\kerning0\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 JUDGMENT
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\par 1.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The appellant Vinay Vikash Reddy was charged in the Magistrates Court under Section 299 & 270 of the Penal Code.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The charge states as follows: 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 FIRST COUNT
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Statement of Offence (a)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 BURGLARY}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 :}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Contrary to Section 299 and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 LARCENY IN DWELLING HOUSE}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 : Contrary to Section 270 of the Penal Code, Cap 17.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Particulars of the Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 VINAY VIKASH REDDY s/o PREM KUMAR REDDY }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 on the 19th day of January 2008 at Labasa in the Northern Division, did break and entered by night the dwelling house of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
CHANDRA MANI SWAMY}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 d/o VIRAPPA}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
 with intent to steal therein and did steal therein a Nokia Mobile phone valued $349.00 and cash $200.00 to the total value of $549.00, the property of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 CHANDAR MANI SWAMY d/o VIRAPPA}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par 2.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The appellant was arrested on the 21st July 2008 and produced on the 24th July 2008.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 As per the record he was enlarged on bail.
\par 
\par 3.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The charge was read and explained to the Accused appellant on the 19th August 2009.
\par 
\par 4.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The Accused appellant pleaded guilty to the charges against him on the 10th December 2009.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The learned
 Magistrate had imposed 3 years imprisonment, 18 months to run concurrent with the serving sentence, and the balance 18 months to run consecutively. 
\par 
\par 5.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The appellant submitted that he had been mislead by the advice of the visiting Magistrate.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Now I consider the appeal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
Considering the appellants acquaintance with the Court, I am unable to accept that the appellant was misguided by the Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
Further, he was not tried by the said Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 He was tried by another Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 On perusing the case record, he was before the Magistrates Court on 10 occasions and I do not see proceedings which indicates that the accused appellant was given any wrong advice or
 any misguidance by the Magistrate.
\par 
\par 6.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The Accused appellant submitted that Prosecuting Police Officer misguided him to plead guilty.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Considering the reasons stated above, I am unable to accept this ground of appeal.
\par 
\par 7.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 In the additional grounds of appeal, the appellant submitted that he had already served 6 months in Prison, and it was not considered.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Now I peruse the record and find that the accused was arrested on 21/7/2008, and enlarged on bail on the 24/07/2008.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 He was sentenced in another case on the 16th June 09.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 He pleaded guilty in this case on 10/12/2009.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The 
period he served in the Prison was for the other case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Considering the above facts this ground of appeal also fails.
\par 
\par 8.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The appellant submitted that he was not given discount for his plea and mitigation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Now I consider the reasons for the sentence of the Magistrate paragraph 4 states as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
I have considered the fact of mitigation tendered by you and the fact that you pleaded guilty without going for a hearing.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 I
 will deduct one year of imprisonment to make the sentence 2 years.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The learned Magistrate had properly considered the circumstances and given the appellant one third discount.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Therefore, I am of the view that the Magistrate had given the appellant a very reasonable deduction on the sentence.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 For the reasons setout above this ground of appeal also fails.
\par 
\par 9.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Even though it was not pleaded by the appellant, I visit the sentence imposed on him.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 When I perused the reasons for sentencing, I find the Magistrate had considered the previous conviction as aggravating facts.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 I re produce the relevant paragraph for easy reference.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
As you have admitted that you have 4 previous convictions and the fact that you are presently serving a term of 18 months impriso
nment and more particularly the previous convictions are of Larceny and house breaking consider that as Aggravating Factors and I}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857  }{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 reduce}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857  (sic)
 the sentence by 1 year to make the sentence 3 years of imprisonment considering the submission make by you although it is a fit case to impose the sentence consecutively.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 I impose the sentence at 3 years to run concurrently with the present sentence you are serving.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857 "}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 (emphasis added)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857  
\par 10.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The Magistrate while considering the aggravating factors he had considered the previous convictions of the appellant which is incorrect.}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 In }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Saurara vs The State}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857  (2008) FJSC 43; CAV0020.2007 27 February 2008.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
The Supreme Court of Fiji decides as follows:
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4619857 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 The only issue giving rise to a ground for special leave, is the use by the sentencing Judge of prior offences as aggravating factors.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  
}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 In our opinion it is wrong in principle to treat convictions for prior offences as aggravating circumstances attaching to a subsequent offence of the purposes of sentencing.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 An offender who has a
 significant record of prior offences is obviously unable to claim the benefit of mitigation on account of previous good character or a relatively minor criminal record.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 When considering the deterrent element of punishment necessarily involved in sentenci
ng, the fact that a person has been convicted and sentenced previously for a number of offences similar to that under consideration by the sentencing court, may support a higher penalty in the current sentences by way of more effective deterrent.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 There are obviously limits on the extent to which sentences may be increased by reference to such considerations.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
It is however, strictly to regard the commission of previous offences as an aggravating circumstance in relation to the offence being dealt with.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857  
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par 11.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Considering the above decision by the Supreme Court, I find considering of previous conviction by the Magistrate is inappropriate.
\par 
\par 12.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Considering all available materials, I do not see any reason to interfere with the conviction.
\par 
\par 13.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Due to the reasons stated above, I vacate the sentence of 3 years imposed on the appellant, and replace with 2 years imprisonment.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 I order this sentence to be implemented from the date of conviction.
\par 
\par 14.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 Subject to variation in the sentence, the appeal is dismissed.
\par 
\par 15.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 30 days to appeal.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 S. Thurairaja
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4619857 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 
\par At Labasa
\par 26th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619857\charrsid4619857 November, 2010
\par }}