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\par AT SUVA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 KALIOVA VUKI BALEMAIRA
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 ACCUSED PERSON
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\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 -}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid12454720 Ms. S. Puamau}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 For Accused Person}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 -}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid12454720 Ms. B. Malimali}{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid12454720 Date of Hearing:}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid12454720 5th October, 2010 \endash 
 28th October, 2010}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 .
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid12454720 Date of Sentence}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 :}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid12454720 26th November, 2010.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\f0\fs24\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 SENTENCE
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 [1]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The accused Kaliova Vuki Balemaira was charged with 2 counts of Rape and with one count of Larceny.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 At the end of the prosecution case, court found that there was no case to answer in respect of Count No.3, Larceny.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 After full trial the accused was acquitted of the 1st Count of Rape and was convicted of the 2nd Count of Rape.
\par 
\par [2]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The brief facts of the case were, after arrival from Wor
ld Netball Championship Tournament, the victim Marjorie Parr and her friends had a party at a villa at Pacific Harbour, which was owned by one of her friends}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 '}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139  father.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
The accused too joined the party with his friends.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 At the party, all had drinks and enjoyed.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 After the victim went to sleep, the accused went inside the room where the victim was sleeping and raped her.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 At the trial the accused admitted sexual intercourse with the victim, but with consent.
\par 
\par [3]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Rape is considered a very serious crime.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The maximum punishment prescribed in Law for Rape is life imprisonment.
\par 
\par [4]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 In the case of }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
Kasim v State [1994] FJCA25; AAU 0021j.93S (27 May 1994)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139  it was decided that the starting point for sentencing an adult in any rape case without aggravating or mitigating f
eatures, should be a term of imprisonment of seven years.
\par 
\par [5]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 In}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Kasim}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 s case court said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 "}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 While it is undoubted that the gravity of rape cases will differ widely depending on all the circumstances, we think the time has come for this Court to give a cl
ear guidance to the Courts in Fiji generally on this matter.}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
We consider that in any rape case without aggravating or mitigating features the starting point for sentencing an adult should be a term of imprisonment of seven years.}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 It must be recognized by t
he Courts that the crime of rape has become altogether too frequent and that the sentences imposed by the Courts for that crime must more nearly reflect the understandable public outrage.}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 We must stress, however, that the particular circumstances of a case
 will mean that there are cases where the proper sentence may be substantially higher or substantially lower than that starting point}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 "}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 .}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par [6]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 While endorsing the trend in Mohammed Kasim}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 '}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 s case, court said in}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 case of }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Drotini v The State [2006] FJCA 26; AAU0001.2005S (24 March 2006);}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 "}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
The continuing frequency of such cases has resulted in a general increase in the levels of sentences ordered in rape cases by the courts of Fiji.}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 We endorse that trend. We do not suggest that the starting point described in }{\i\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Mohammed Kasim}{
\i\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 '}{\i\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 s case}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
 should be altered in rape cases in general but the sentencing court should not hesitate to increase the sentence substantially where there are further aggravating factors}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 "}{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par [7]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 In mitigation defence called 3 witnesses including the accused, to give evidence. 
\par 
\par [8]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
Accused giving evidence said as to how this case affected him for last 3 years. Further he said how it adversely affected his career as a Swimming coach and as a triathlete.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 He testified about his previous good character and also his good behavior during the period after the alleged date of offence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  
}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 He further testified about his difficulties in prison.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Denying the charge he said that the Prison is not the place for him.
\par 
\par [9]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Youth co-ordi
nator Eremasi Lovodua giving evidence in mitigation said that he is prepared to accept the accused into a supervised community service program and requested for a non custodial sentence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Further he said that the accused was really depressed in prison.
\par 
\par [10]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The girlfriend of the accused Jannette Kaipio giving evidence spoke about the good character of the accused.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 She said that the accused had never assaulted her or exhibited violent behavior.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The sporting community in Fiji has a high regard on accused, she said.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 She testified about her future plans with the accused.
\par 
\par [11]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
Apart from the witnesses who testified, letters by Colin Philip dated 18/11/2010, by Paul McCoy dated 17/11/2010, by Dom Samson dated 16/11/2010, by Joji Domonatari dated 15
/11/2010, by Leena Pratt dated 15/11/2010, by Suka Taufa dated 17/11/2010, by Haidi Williams Houng-Lee dated 16/11/2010 and an undated letter by Jennifer Liew were submitted by defence. All those letters spoke about the good character, and achievements of
 the accused, and requested for a lenient sentence.
\par 
\par [12]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
The court would consider the mitigating factors submitted by the Counsel for defence, that no serious violence was used on the victim when committing the offence, and how the case affected the accused.
\par 
\par [13]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
It was submitted on behalf of the accused that this case was hanging over his head for last 3 years and it affected his career as a Swimming coach.
\par 
\par [14]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The victim impact statement was filed by the prosecution, which was not accepted by the defence.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The defence Counsel informed court, that defence refuses to accept the victim impact statement, but didn}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 t specify as to what parts of the statement they do not accept.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Therefore court will consider the impact on victim, what was substantiated by the victim in her evidence at the trial.
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par [15]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
No further evidence was given by the victim or affidavit filed, to substantiate what has been said in the victim impact statement.
\par 
\par [16]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Section 4(2)(e) of the Sentencing and}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Penalties decree provides provision for taking of victim impact statement into consideration.
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Section 4(2) (e);
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 4(2)}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 In sentencing offenders a court must have regard to}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 :
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 (e)}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 the impact of the offence on any victim of the offence and the injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par [17]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 In her evidence at the trial victim said, that she walked away from sports.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 She never let her son live by her side.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Her relationship with her husband was disturbed, she didn}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 '}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 t want to be in company with any Fijian man, she had to undergo counseling and that, she couldn}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 '}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 t stay alone at home when husband was away.
\par 
\par [18]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
Court would take into account the impact on the victim by this offence, which was substantiated by her evidence in court.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
However, the court will also bear in mind that it was not substantiated by any medical evidence, that the mental trauma the victim underwent, was of permanent in nature or that it still remains.
\par 
\par [19]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
In this case it is evident, that the accused requested to join the party and later the victim and the other ladies agreed to let the accused and his friends to join them.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The trust reposed on accused by allowing him to be present at the party was misused or abused by him, which I consider as an aggravating factor.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 I see no other aggravating factors than the above to have aggravated the offence.
\par 
\par [20]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
The accused in this case is of 27 years old (at the time of offence 24 years), and the victim is of 31 years old at the time of offence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 As mentioned above rape is a serious criminal offence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 The sentence will vary depending on the circumstances of the case including the aggravating and mitigating factors.
\par 
\par [21]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
I am of the view that the circumstances do not warrant a non custodial sentence in this case of Rape as urged by the defence.
\par 
\par [22]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 I take as starting point a term of 7 years imprisonment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 For aggravating factor mentioned above, I add 1 year imprisonment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  
}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par For the mitigating factors mentioned above, including all what was said about accused, his previous good behavior, his conduct and his period in remand, I reduce 2 years making a total of 6 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Considering the circumstances of the case I make order that the accused to serve a minimum term of four years imprisonment.

\par 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Your final sentence is 6 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 You have 30 days to appeal.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 Priyantha Fernando
\par Puisne Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5705139 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5705139\charrsid5705139 
\par At Suva
\par 26th November, 2010.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid5705139 
\par }}