{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f180\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}
{\f181\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f183\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f184\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f185\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}
{\f186\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f187\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f188\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid1055073 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive 
\ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar
\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \styrsid1055073 header;}{\*\cs16 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid1055073 page number;}}
{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid811014\rsid862776\rsid1055073\rsid1598413\rsid1972231\rsid2193419\rsid2309175\rsid2371452\rsid2504626\rsid2506087\rsid3176464\rsid3422714\rsid3810279\rsid3822112\rsid3831056\rsid4160285
\rsid4329331\rsid4331392\rsid4744076\rsid4815830\rsid4855016\rsid4931203\rsid5052173\rsid5062183\rsid5123780\rsid5592493\rsid5643559\rsid6060947\rsid6160848\rsid6295602\rsid6514138\rsid6782860\rsid6953338\rsid7095489\rsid7366506\rsid7483118\rsid7958375
\rsid8016262\rsid8083724\rsid8270074\rsid8524331\rsid8598875\rsid8790013\rsid8866877\rsid9189166\rsid9452663\rsid9455426\rsid9592985\rsid9776131\rsid10712439\rsid10749241\rsid10776858\rsid11014019\rsid11292607\rsid11355540\rsid11404427\rsid11880640
\rsid11928628\rsid12063525\rsid12081942\rsid12211158\rsid12921552\rsid12931985\rsid12983114\rsid13198352\rsid14055906\rsid14105686\rsid14108652\rsid14496123\rsid14510136\rsid14695321\rsid14967201\rsid15016234\rsid15032169\rsid15159555\rsid15297671
\rsid15405516\rsid15541791\rsid15560408\rsid15864576\rsid15945946\rsid16592213\rsid16597937\rsid16671932}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title \'93this is a quote, has said, of me saying \'91this is a quote\'92\'94}{\author ruddley_e}
{\operator ruddley_e}{\creatim\yr2011\mo9\dy8\hr10\min55}{\revtim\yr2011\mo9\dy8\hr16\min4}{\version2}{\edmins5}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1009}{\nofchars5752}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws6748}{\vern24689}}\margb990 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1
\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct
\asianbrkrule\rsidroot1055073\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit\viewbksp1 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10094052 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10776858 \chftnsep 
\par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10094052 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10776858 \chftnsepc 
\par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10094052 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10776858 \chftnsep 
\par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10094052 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10776858 \chftnsepc 
\par }}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15016234\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7095489 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid6295602 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt {\cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid10776858 3}}}{\cs16\insrsid6295602 .
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid6295602 
\par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LAUTOKA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA 023 OF 2011
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 1.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 JONE NAWAI
\par 2.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 ASAELI TAMANITOKULA
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Appellants
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 STATE
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par Appellants in Person
\par Ms S. Kiran for the State
\par 
\par Date of Hearing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
09 August 2011, 1st September 2011.
\par Date of Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 08 September 2011.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
On the 23rd March 2011, both appellants entered a plea of guilty to one joint charge of robbery with violence contrary to Section 311 (1)(a) of the Crimes Decree 2009.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 They were each sentenced on the 25th May 2011 to eight years}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
 imprisonment with a minimum term of six years.
\par 
\par [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Both appellants now appeal their sentence on the grounds that it was harsh and excessive.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Their joint }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
application to appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073  contains grounds relating to conviction which they now abandon.
\par 
\par [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 The facts of the case were that on 
the 12th February 2011 at around 0645hrs at Nakosi Street in Lautoka the victim, a bus driver was on his way to work.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
These two appellants seized him from behind, and each one punched him. The driver fell to the ground and his wallet containing $84 was stolen from his pocket.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 The complainant was able to instigate a search.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
The appellants were identified and arrested.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 The sum of $84 was recovered.
\par 
\par [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 In his sentence, the Magistrate took a starters point of eight years and to that added six years for aggrav
ating features, which he said to be:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (i)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 gang offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (ii)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 cynical, calculated and relentless offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (iii)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 victim physically injured
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (iv)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 victim suffered trauma
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (v)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 victim vulnerable because of his occupation}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 vi)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 victim was bus driver whose very nature of work involves occupational risk.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par From an interim total he then deducted two years for an early guilty plea, and then another two years for mitigating factors which he considered to be:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (1)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 remorse}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (2)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 apology to court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (3)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 co-operation with Police}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 (4)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 money robbed not of great value}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par He then arrived at an interim total of ten years.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
He deducted 18 months to reflect their previous good character and another 6 months for time spent in remand while awaiting sentence, arriving at the final sentence of eight years}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073  imprisonment.
\par 
\par [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 The first appellant is 32 years old and married with 4 children.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 He describes himself as an }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 artist}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073  and in fact is employed as a screen printer and machine operator at Pacific Islands Art.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 He has been educated to Form 6.
\par 
\par [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 The second appellant is 23 years old and single living with his parents and siblings.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 He too works as a screen printer with Pacific Arts and is also a graduate from Form 6.
\par 
\par [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Each of the appellants provided references of good character and each proved to be sincerely remorseful.
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Analysis
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
Both accused being unrepresented in this appeal, the court is rigorous in examining the reasons for sentence, and help was rendered by Miss Kiran for the State in h
er very fair submissions, directing the court to where errors may have been made on the part of the learned Magistrate.
\par 
\par [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
The Magistrate quite properly in analyzing the accepted tariff range for robbery with violence, was of the view that in his court the range should be between seven to ten years; and he therefore was justified in starting his sentence at the point of eight
 years.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
He then however fell into error by adding a further six years to reflect aggravating features, most of which cannot be said to be aggravating features at all.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 There was not one shred of evidence that the victim was injured, and it must be pure speculation that the victim suffered trauma.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Taxi drivers and bus drivers are for obvious reasons vulnerable targets for criminal offences, but this victim was not driving a taxi or a bus.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 
 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 He was on his way to wok and in that regard he is a victim with no peculiar characteristics.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Not only was he not driving a bus, but the Magistrate has made his being a bus driver to be }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 two}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073  features of aggravation which is doubly unfair.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
The only possible aggravating features are that it was a joint attack and therefore }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 gang}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073  violence and that it was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 calculated and relentless}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 , although there is very little evidence for that in the facts.
\par 
\par [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Adding six years for such spurious elements of aggravation is unjust, and particularly so when the strong points in mitigation receive
 but a two year discount.
\par 
\par [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
There was filed in this case before the Magistrate passed his sentence a considerable amount of mitigating material and the themes of remorse and regret were pervasive and persuasive.
\par 
\par [12]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Robbery with Violence is an offence which presents itself to the courts in many various manifestations, from the min}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10776858 or}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 punch and pickpocket}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073  to the very serious gang invasion of private homes with theft and injury to the occupants.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Serious though this offence may be, it cannot be equated to acts of violence with weapons used causing injury to the victim.
\par 
\par [13]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
In the absence of any evidence of injury to the victim and in the light of evidence that the money stolen from the victim was returned to him a suitable starting point would perhaps be four years rather than eight.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
The total sentencing process in this case deserves to be re-cast and I therefore quash the sentences passed below and would sentence the pair afresh pursuant to Section 256(3) of the Criminal Procedure Decree 2009.
\par 
\par [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 For each appellant I would adopt a starting point of four years imprisonment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Although assaulting with fists forcing the victim to the ground in order to steal his wallet is a serious crime, it does not warrant the harsher penalties reserved for real violent
 gang crimes where injuries are caused.
\par 
\par [15]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
By acting together it must have been a frightening experience for the victim and for that aggravation I add a further one year to the sentence bringing it to an interim total of five years imprisonment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Your mitigation is powerful, and your remorse obvious.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
For that I deduct a period of two years bringing the total to three years.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
This includes the three months you spent on remand awaiting sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 You deserve credit for your clear records and your early
 pleas of guilty must also be to your credit and a further discount of one year will bring the final sentence that each of your must serve to two years imprisonment. I decline to set a minimum term before you are eligible for parole.
\par 
\par [16]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 I have considered whether to suspend your sentences or not.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 I do not consider that the offence is suitable to qualify for suspension.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
Your attack on the victim was unprovoked and our citizens on their way to work should be protected from such random crime.
\par 
\par [17]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Your appeals succeed and you will each now serve a term of imprisonment of two years.
\par 
\par [18]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 You have 30 days to appeal this sentence to the Fiji Court of Appeal.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 Paul K. Madigan
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1055073 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1055073\charrsid1055073 
\par At Lautoka
\par 
\par 08th September 2011
\par }}