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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\pararsid9656352 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af37\hich\af37\dbch\af37\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 AT SUVA \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Criminal Appeal No: HAA003 of 2011 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 BETWEEN\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 : \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 FAAIZAN INVESTMENT LIMITED \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Appellant \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 AND\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 : \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 S\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 UVA CITY COUNCIL \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Respondent \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Hearing:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 24 June 2011 \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Judgment:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 1 August 2011 \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Counsel\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 :}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Mr. F. Vosarogo for Appellant \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Mr. Z.S. Khan for Respondent \par \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 1\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The appellant was convicted of failing \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 to comply with a notice from\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Suva City Council to remove an unauthori \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ed\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 building structure\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 .}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On 16 June 2010\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ,\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the appellant was senten\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ced to a total fine of $42,050.00 on the basis that the offence continued for 840 days and was ordered to pay $100.00 costs.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The fine and costs were to be paid to \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Suva \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 C \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ity Council within 60 days from the date of sentence. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 2\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On 27 May 2011, I grant\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ed the appellant leave to appeal out of time and stayed the orders made by the learned Magistrate pending determination of the appeal. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 3\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The issue that arose from the grounds of appeal is whether the appellant was \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 convicted and sentenced in breach of na\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 tural justice. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 4\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The charge against the appellant was filed in\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the Magistrates}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Court on 4 April 2008.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On the same date, a summons was issued for the appellant to answer to the charge.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Since the appellant was a corporation, t\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 he summons was served on a\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 director of the company on 27 May 2008.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On 5 June 2008 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ,\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the cas\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 e was called in the Magistrat\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 e}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Court.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The appellant was represented by counsel, Mr. Raza.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Plea was deferred. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 5\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 After 5 June 2008, the proceedings are marked with unnecessary adjournmen\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ts.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Most of the adjournments were granted to allow the appellant to get the building plan approved by \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Suva \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 C\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ity Council.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Unfortunately, the prosecut\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 or appearing in the Magistrate}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Court for \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the Suva City Council was equally responsible for the adjou\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 rnments.\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 6\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On 21 July 2009, the learned Magistrate was informed that \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Suva City Council was in a process of approving the plan filed by the appellant.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Council needed another 6 weeks to approve the plan. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 7\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On 1 September 2009, the learned Mag\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 istrate was advise\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 d that Mr Raza\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 could not appear as he was attending to a High Court case. The case was adjourned to 28 October 2009.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 There\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 after Mr Raza \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 did not appear in the case.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On 28 October 2009, the prosecutor for \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Suva City Council applied for\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 a formal proof in the\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 absence of counsel for the appellant. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 8\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 After 28 October 2009, the case was adjourned on four occasions on the prosecutor}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s request to check on compliance by the appellant.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The appellant}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s counsel was not present in any of these \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 occasions. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 9\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On 21 May 2010, the learned Magistrate proceeded to formal proof \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 hearing \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 in the absence of the appellant}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s counsel.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 After convicting the appellant, the learned Magistrate adjourned the case to 16 June 2010 for sentence.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 On 16 June 2010, s\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 entence was imposed in the absence of the appellant}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s counsel. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 10\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 By the time the formal proof hearing was held, the Criminal Procedure Code had been repealed and \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 replaced\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 with the Criminal Procedure Decree. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 11\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 T\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 he appellant was charged \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 with an offen\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ce that was punishable only by fine. T\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 he appellant elected to appear in court by counsel.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Once the appellant had engaged counsel, it was counsel}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s duty to ensure that the appellant was represented in all the hearings.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 After making numerou\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s appearances, o\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 n 1 September 2009,\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 counsel \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 for the appellant did not appear in the case \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 as he was engaged in another court.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Thereafter, the court record is silent as to \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 reasons why counsel for the appellant never appeared in \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 subsequent hearings in the lower court. O \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ne would expect counsel to enquire about the case from the registry rather than abandoning the client without notice. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 12\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 When the learned Magistrate proceeded to formal proof, the appellant had no notice of the hearing.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The appellant had no knowledge \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 that the hearing had proceeded in the absence of counsel.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Sentence was imposed without any mitigation.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Again, the appellant had no notice of the sentencing hearing.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The appellant only came to know about the conviction and sentence when \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 the \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Suva City Cou\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ncil attempted to enforce the order for fine and costs. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 13\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Clearly, the appellant is not at fault for not appearing in the hearings.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The appellant engaged counsel to appear in court.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Without any notice to the appellant, counsel stopped appearing in he\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 arings. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 14\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Counsel for the respondent submits that despite any flaws in the hearings, the appeal should\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 be dismissed because the offence\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 is a strict liability and what possible defence the appellant could have to the charge. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 15\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 While I find there is \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 some force in counsel}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s submission, I cannot accept that just because an accused is charged with a strict liability offence, natural justice should be denied.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Due process applies to all types of offences.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The right to be heard is the cornerstone of our j \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ustice system. \par \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 [\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 16\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 I am satisfied that the appellant was denied natural justice.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The conviction is quashed and the entire sentence is set aside.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 The case is remitted to the Magistrate}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 s \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 C\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 ourt for a re-trial. \par \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 Daniel Goundar \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 JUDGE \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9656352 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656352\charrsid9656352 \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 At Suva \par \hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 1 Augus\hich\af0\dbch\af37\loch\f0 t 2011 \par }}