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{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Ruddley_E}{\operator freriks_k}{\creatim\yr2010\mo3\dy12\hr10\min16}{\revtim\yr2010\mo3\dy16\hr11\min30}{\version8}{\edmins3}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1070}{\nofchars6103}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws7159}
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\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 
\f38\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par REVISIONAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Revisional Case No: HAR002 of 2010
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 THE STATE
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Applicant
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 AND:
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 TEVITA TOLOI MULOILAGI}{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Respondent
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par Hearing:\tab 26th February 2010
\par Judgment:\tab 12th March 2010
\par 
\par Counsel:\tab Ms S. Puamau for State
\par Respondent in person
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4008216 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par [1]\tab This case was called for a review of the proceedings in the Magistrates\rquote 
 Court after a media article on the proceedings gave an impression that the respondent escaped punishment for an offence of driving whilst intoxicated because of his status as a prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Facts}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7224839\charrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 [2]\tab On 15 January 2010 at about 2.40am, the respondent drove a motor vehicle when he was stopped at Gordon Street, Suva, for a random breathalyzer test.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The test revealed that the respo
ndent had 68 microgrammes of alcohol present in 100 millilitres of breath. He was arrested and taken to the Nabua Police Station where he was tested again.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The second test confirmed the earlier result.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
The result was converted and the respondent was found to have 134.2 milligrammes of alcohol present in 100 millilitres of blood, which was in excess of 54.2 milligrammes over the prescribed limit of 80 milligrammes.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The respondent was locked up in a cell and later interviewed under caution and formally charge
d under sections 103(1)(a) and 114 of the Land Transport Act, No. 35 of 1998.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
He appeared in the court on the same morning.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Upon arraignment, he pleaded guilty and was convicted of the offence.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4212737 \f38\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\insrsid11689986\charrsid7224839 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4212737 \f38\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 [3]\tab 
In mitigation, the respondent apologized for his conduct and informed the learned Magistrate that he was a State counsel.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
He said a conviction will affect his employment and that he be given a warning, and not a fine.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4008216 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par [4]\tab The learned Magistrate considered the mitigation and decided not to impose a fine or imprisonment on the respondent.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Instead, the learned Magistrate imposed a disqualification from driving for four months as a token of punishment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The brief sentencing remarks of the learned Magistrate reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4144974 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
Since Accused is a DPP Officer, before passing one Sentence I have to consider the consequences he has to pay at his work place.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Accused is a first offender.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
He pleaded guilty at the first available instance.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
Bearing everything in my mind, I think Accused should be given a chance to correct himself.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Ther
efore I will not impose any fine or sentence him to an imprisonment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
But as a token punishment, I proceed to disqualify his driving licence for four (04) months.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4008216 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Review}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4144974\charrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 [5]\tab In fairness to the learned Magistrate, the reference to the status of the respondent as a DPP\rquote 
s officer was made in the context of assessing the consequences of a sentence on his employment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
The learned Magistrate in her mind did not think that the respondent should be completely absolved from punishment because of his status as a State counsel.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The final sentencing remark confirms this view.
\par 
\par [6]\tab However, the matter does not rest there.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
On the same morning, the learned Magistrate imposed a fine in two other cases where the offenders were convicted of the same offence that the respondent was convicted of.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The other two offenders also held professional positions, albeit, in the private sector.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 One was an accountant and the other was a human resource officer.
\par 
\par [7]\tab In addition to a disqualification from driving, a fine of $200 in default two months imprisonment, respectively, was imposed on them, while in the case of the respondent only a disqualification was imposed. 
\par 
\par [8]\tab }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 It is the disparity in the sentences that 
give an impression that the respondent was given a favourable treatment because of his status as a DPP\rquote s officer. 
\par 
\par [9]\tab A review is therefore justified to clear any such perception. It should be made clear that an offender\rquote s position in the society is irre
levant when it comes to imposing punishment for breaking a law. In this regard I adopt the principle articulated by Lord Chief Justice Hewart in }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
R v. Sussex Justices Ex parte Macarthy}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986  [1924] 1 KB 256 at 259}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 :
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4008216 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
It is not merely of some importance but is of fundamental importance, that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4008216 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par [10]\tab When imposing sentences on offenders, the court is bound by the principles of fairness and equality before the law.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Everybody is 
equal before the law. The appearance of justice and even-handedness is important. An offender should not be given a lenient punishment over the others just because he or she holds a special position in the society.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Sentences should be imposed even handedly, particularly, when the offenders have committed the same offence.
\par 
\par [11]\tab It is rather unfortunate that the learned Magistrate has, inadvertently, given an impression that the respondent was to be treated differently because he was a State counsel. 
\par 
\par [12]\tab Ms Puamau for the State, while accepting that there is a disparity in sentences, quite fairly points out that the respondent\rquote 
s personal circumstances changed following his conviction, that may have a bearing on any decision to impose a further punishment on him.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 It has been brought to the attention of this Court that the respondent was terminated from his employment and that he now is unemployed.
\par 
\par [13]\tab  I have no doubt that the consequences of the conviction have significantly affected the respondent. He wa
s terminated from his employment in the public service as a State counsel and his chances of securing another employment are slim. This in itself is a grave form of punishment.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 When compared to the other two offenders, who did not lose their jobs, the consequences of the conviction on the respondent are disproportionate.
\par 
\par [14]\tab In these circumstances, it would be unjust and inappropriate to impose a fine or imprisonment on the respondent on a review.
\par 
\par [15]\tab The respondent invites the Court to quash his conviction because of the impact it is having on his employment prospects.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 I do not consider it appropriate to quash the conviction of the respondent for the reason advanced by him.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The offence committed by the respondent was not a technical breach of the law.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 He was caught operating a motor vehicle when he had an alcohol level in his blood that was way above the prescribed limit.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }
{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 He placed the safety of other road users at risk when he drove his vehicle whilst being drunk. He is morall}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3571582 
y responsible for his conduct.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3571582\charrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 [16]\tab The carnage on the Fiji roads arising from driving whilst intoxicated is a matter that has recently attracted a lot of public debate.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The court cannot comprise public safety on the roads.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 As a matter of observation, the fines imposed on the other two offenders are lenient.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 But since the State has not seen fit to appeal the sentences, I do not consider it is appropriate to review those fines of my own motion.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 The responsibility to appeal inappropriate sentences lie with the State.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Result}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4144974\charrsid11689986 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 [17]\tab 
For these reasons, I confirm the conviction of the respondent and the order disqualifying him from driving. There will be no fine or imprisonment imposed on the respondent.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Daniel Goundar
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11689986 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par At Suva
\par 12th March 2010
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 Solicitors:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid11689986 
\par Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for State
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6451683 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11689986\charrsid6451683 Respondent in person}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid6451683 
\par }}