{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f65\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f66\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f68\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f69\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f70\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f71\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f72\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f73\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f415\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f416\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f418\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;}{\f419\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f420\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);} {\f421\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f422\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f423\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);}{\f424\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}}{\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\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 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\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f35\fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden Balloon Text;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 1;}{ \s17\qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Style 3;}{\s18\qj \fi432\li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Style 2;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid269458\rsid727082\rsid1401615\rsid2369355\rsid2435321\rsid3560262\rsid3569560\rsid3753431\rsid4004741 \rsid4271683\rsid4603996\rsid4740449\rsid5182739\rsid6100380\rsid6970083\rsid7151093\rsid7429973\rsid9138155\rsid9319763\rsid10566728\rsid10629673\rsid10908583\rsid11104190\rsid11274929\rsid11298994\rsid11534395\rsid11563585\rsid11935175\rsid12063679 \rsid12592705\rsid12871296\rsid12985247\rsid13121477\rsid13789998\rsid13791188\rsid14240134\rsid14422107\rsid14688943\rsid15746111\rsid16078902\rsid16086004\rsid16541390}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\author Teniau_D}{\operator blake_r} {\creatim\yr2009\mo9\dy14\hr9\min58}{\revtim\yr2010\mo4\dy6\hr16\min1}{\version37}{\edmins214}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords2172}{\nofchars12385}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws14528}{\vern24689}}\paperw11907\paperh16840\margl0\margr0\margt0\margb0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot12592705 \fet0\sectd \psz9\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid12871296\sftnbj {\*\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 \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9319763 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 [2000] 2 FLR 6 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14240134 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12871296 IN THE }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14240134 HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14240134\charrsid14240134 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14240134 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9319763 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 EPEL}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12871296 I SENILOLI \par & \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 ATTORNEY-GENERAL \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9319763 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 v \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9319763 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14240134 SEMI VOLITI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12871296 ,}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid12871296 on behalf of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid14240134 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid14240134 Poasa Ravea Qawaqawa Voliti} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid14240134 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 \par High Cou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 rt Civil Appellate Jurisdiction \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Shameem, J \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 22 February, 2000 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9138155 HBC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12871296 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 0033}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10629673 /}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 99 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 Quantu}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 m of damages - appeal against - }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 false imprisonment - trauma and distress to victim - aggravated }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 damages of $10K}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9138155 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 and punitive dam}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 ages of $5K awarded by Magistrates'}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 Court - consideration of local, social and economic conditions in quantum - breach of C}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 onstitution s2}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12871296 7;}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 Juveniles Act, the Judges Rules \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 \par A 14 year old boy was detained by police for 4 hours on an allegati on of stealing tinned fish. He was handcuffed to a post inside the police post at Nadera. Police denied false imprisonment. The magistrate found the detention traumatic, a breach of his rights and awarded $10,000 on aggravated damages and a further $5,000 in punitive damages. The appellants appealed against quantum. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 Held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 - (1) Detention breached the Convention on Rights of the Child Article 37 and Judges' Rules.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 (2) The detention was not an honest error of judgment by police but a deliberate flouting of t he law and a conscious act on a vulnerable and young member of public causing distress and humiliation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 (3) The outrageous and contumelious conduct of the appellants justified an additional award of punitive damages. \par \par Award of aggravated damages reduced from $10,000 to $6,800 but puniti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 ve damages to remain the same.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid269458 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 Cases referred to in judgment \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9138155 cons }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid16078902 Sivorosi Raikali v}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14688943\charrsid16078902 }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid16078902 At}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14688943\charrsid16078902 to}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid16078902 rney}{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14688943\charrsid16078902 -}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid16078902 General}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9138155 H}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9138155 BC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12871296 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16541390 95}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13121477 /}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9138155 99 \par cons }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid16078902 N}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid16078902 irmala Wati v }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid16078902 A Hussain & Co Limited}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9138155 32 FLR 1 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9138155 cons }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid16078902 Josaia Vakacoko v Com}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid16078902 missioner of Police}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9138155 HBC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12871296 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9138155 145}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11298994 /98S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9138155 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9138155 cons }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid16078902 Marika Lawanisavi v Kapieni}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9138155 ABU}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10908583 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9138155 49}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11298994 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9138155 98 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid269458 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid12871296 [}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid11534395 note: cons in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid14688943 }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid16078902 PAFCO Employees Un}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11534395 ion v Pacific}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid16078902 Fishing Company Limited}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid14688943 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7151093\charrsid1401615 [2002] HBC543}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11534395\charrsid1401615 /}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7151093\charrsid1401615 00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid1401615 S Judgment of 25 January 2002]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid14688943 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 Mereseini Rakuita for}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid9319763 appellants \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 Sevuloni }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16541390 W}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 alenitabua for respondent \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 22 February, 2000. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9319763 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid269458 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 Shameem, }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763 J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9319763 . \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9319763\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 This is an appeal against quantum of damages awarded in the Suva Magistrates Court for the false imprisonment of a 14 year old boy, Poasa Ravea Voli}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11104190 ti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 at the Nadera Police Post for four hours.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 The Plaintiff }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7429973 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 iled a writ of summons c laiming damages for false imprisonment in August 1998. After a trial, the learned trial magistrat}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16078902 e delivered her judgment on 20}{ \fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16078902\charrsid1401615 th}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16078902\charrsid1401615 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 July 1999. She found that Poasa Voliti was taken into }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 police custody at Nadera on 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1401615 8}{ \fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid6970083 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 March 1998 for four hours. He wa s 14 years old and was arrested as he walked past the Police Post on Ratu Dovi Road. He was questioned and searched. A tin of fish and boiled cassava found on his pocket was taken from him and he was hand-cuffed to a post inside the police post until he w as released some hours later. The learned trial magistrate found}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3560262 that the circumstances of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 detention were traumatic given the evide}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 nce of his friends of Poasa Vol}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 iti weeping.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid6970083 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 The learned}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 trial magistrate found that the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 s constitutional rights, his rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and his rights under the Judges Rules had been breached. She found that the deliberate abuse of power by} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 the police, the flouting of the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1401615 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 s rights, the trauma and distress caused to him and the humiliation he suffered were sufficient to justify the award of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16078902 punitive }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 damages. She awarded $10,000 as ag}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1401615 gravated damages and a further $}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 5,000 in punitive damages on the ground of the gross misconduct o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 f the police officers concerned.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 This appeal is against the award of $15,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16086004 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 00 damages. The grounds of appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid6970083 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 are:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 (}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 1) That the award is so high as to make it an entirely erroneous estimate of the damage to which the Respondent is entitled.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 (2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 That the learned trial magistrate when awarding punitive damages in this case, acted on a wrong principle of law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 (3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 That the award is so unreasonable that it cannot be supported having regard to all the evidence and the principles of law as a whole."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 The appeal was heard on 11}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid6970083 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 February 2000.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Ms M. Rakuita for the Appellant submitted that the learned magistrate should have considered local cases on false imprisonment, in awarding damages. She suggested that awards of }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3753431 $}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 500 to $1,500 had been given in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 cases where the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 had been detained unlawfully for several hours. She submitted that there was no evidence that the plaintiff had suffered pain or distress and that $15,000 is in excess of comparable cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Mr S. Valenitabua for the Respondent sub mitted that given the gross misconduct of the police at the police station, and the age of the plaintiff, the circumstances were exceptional and justified the award.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 Thompson v. Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 (1977) 3 WLR 403, the Court of Appeal suggested the following principles as guidelines in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 wrongful arrest and imprisonment cases:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 (1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 ) The total award should not exceed what is a fair compensation for the injury the Plaintiff has suffered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 2) Exemplary damages will only be awarded in e xceptional cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 3) The starting point for normal wrongful arrest and imprisonment cases is 500 for the first hour and 3000 for 24 hours on a progressively reducin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 g scale for each day thereafter.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 4) Awards of damages for false imprisonment should bear some relationship to awards for personal injuries.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 Sivorosi Raikali -v- Attorney-General}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16541390 Civil Action No. HBC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12985247 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 95 of 1999, Scott J awarded $11,000 for a man who was imprisoned in jail for 11 months more than he should have been, the only aggravating features of the detention being the length of the wrongful detention. In that case, Scott J said:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 "An award of damag es arising from false imprisonment has as its primary purpose compensation for the loss of the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12985247 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 s liberty and its consequences such as indignity, mental suffering, disgrace, humiliation and loss of reputation or social status. In addition, there m ay be recovery for any resultant physical injury, illness or discomfort as where the imprisonment has had deleterious effect on the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 s health ....}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Awards of damages under these heads are termed compensatory and will be liable to aggravation or mi tigation depending on the whole circumstances of the case. In addition to such awards there may in special circumstances be an award of exemplary damages, the purpose of which is to punish the Defendant for inflicting the harm on the Plaintiff."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 I have read the local authorities on unlawful arrest and detention referred to me by counsel, and note that none relate to the unlawful detention of children. In }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 Nirmala Wati v. A. Hussain & Co. Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 32 FLR 1, the Court awarded $500 for}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 the unlawful arrest of a young married woman, and her detention at the police }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 station for about an hour. In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid6970083 J}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6970083 osaia Vakacoko v. The Commissioner of Police }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9138155 Civil }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4603996\charrsid4603996 Action HBC }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid4603996 145 of 19}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12985247 98S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid4603996 , the court awarded $4,000 to a plaintiff wrongfully detained by police for 6 days.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 However these ca ses are not really comparable because the detainees were not children, and because the court did not find as the magistrate did in this case, that "the conduct of the police officers ... was outrageous, a gross abuse of}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 powers and an absolute disregard to the fact that Poasa is a child. The plaintiff was compelled to institute these proceedings - the outcome of the police internal inquiry being entirely unsatisfactory and no wonder - the pertinent officers had all colluded to cover up the events of 20}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4603996 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4603996 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 98."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 The evidence of the witness Poasa, at page 107 of the record, which the learned magistrate accepted, shows that he was stopped by the police officer Cakacaka, as he was walking along the road. He was asked what he had in his}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 pocket. He told the officer that it was a tin of fish, and that he was taking it to his}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6970083 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 friends. The evidence during examination-in-chief then ran as follows: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 "Q: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 He asked you further where you taking it to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 ? \par A: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Epeli, another policeman came out of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 the police post and said to me:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 'that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9138155 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 s the way you supposed to talk to a policeman'. They called me into the police post and asked me questions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Q: What happened in the police post?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 A: They asked me again the question and as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11563585 ked me }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 whether those two boys were fucking each others arses.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Q: Then? \par A: I said no. I told them we were going to eat this food for lunch.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Q: Then? \par A: The two policemen told me, brother and sister didn't own anything in the house and that was why he was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 stealing the Westpac Handycard }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 ....}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Q: Were your hands handcuffed? \par A: Yes.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Q: Both hands. \par A: Only my left hand}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 ... they handcuffed my left hand to a cross-bar in the police post. I was sitting."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 The evidence disclosed that the handcuffs were eventually removed. No attempt was made to explain to Poasa the reasons for arrest or detention. \par \par Apenisa Drova (PW3) told the court that Poasa's left hand was cuffed to his foot and that he was crying. Kaveni Quni, a 16 year old boy (PW5) also gave evidence of the handcuffing and of Poasa's distress.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 The entire incident was a shameful one. The evidence of the children who witnessed the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2369355 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 s detention, clearly showed the incident to be distressing and humiliating to the plaintiff and his friends.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Furth ermore, the denials of the police witnesses that there was no arrest, no detention and there were no handcuffs, constituted an equally shameful attempt to disguise an outrageous breach of duty to the public.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 The rights of juveniles are protected with adul t suspects, by section 27 of the Constitution. Those rights include the right to be told of reasons for the arrest and detention, the right to prompt release if no charge is brought, the right to consult a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 legal practitioner, the right to communicate with next-of-kin, and the right "to be treated with humanity and with respect for his or her inherent dignity."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 None of these rights were accorded to the plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 The Juveniles Act provides for special measures to be taken in the detention of juveniles, the emphasis being to avoid detention except in exceptional circumstances. The spirit of the Juveniles Act was not observed by the officers at the Nadera Police Post.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid4271683 Furthermore, the evidence of the police officers shows that they were aware of the procedures which ought to have been followed under the Judges Rules and the Juveniles Act.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 \par \par The learned magistrate clearly found that this was not a case of an "error of judgment" as in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid15746111 X v. Attorney-General}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 (1996) NZLR 623. It was a case of the deliberate flouting of the rights of a child in custody. \par \par The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Fiji ratified in 1993, provides by virtue of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Article 37:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 "(a) No child shall }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4271683 b}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 e subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or deg}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 rading treatment or punishme}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 nt ....}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 (b) No child shall be }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2435321 deprived of his or her liberty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 unlawfully or arbitrarily. The arrest, detention or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 imprisonment of a child shall be in conformity with the law and shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 The Convention in relation to the custody of children, is in conformity with the Juveniles Act and the Constitution. It is intended to ensure that children in conflict with the law, and who are vulnerable because of age and powerlessness in relatio n to the administration of law enforcement agencies, are accorded special protective measures. \par \par The facts of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 this case show that the police officers at the Nadera Police Post deliberately disregarded these protective measures and took advantage of the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 s vulnerable position.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 In the circumstances I can find no fault in the learned magistrate's finding that aggravated damages were called for. \par \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid15746111 X v. Attorney-General}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 , Williams J said at p.630:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 "As to the law, in the pithy phrase employed by the learned auth}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 ors of Hewston and Buckley:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid15746111 Salmond and Hewston on the Law of Torts}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 19th ed. (1987) p.594. "Aggravated damages are given for conduct which shocks the plaintiff: exemplary damages for conduct which shocks the jury"." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 \par At page 631 of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 his judgment Williams J went on to say:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15746111 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 "As to punitive or exemplary damages, .... it is enough to note that such damages are only awarded to punish the defendants because of the o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 utrageous or contumelious way }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 in which they have conducted themselves in committing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 the tort for which they are sued (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid15746111 Donselaar v. Donselaar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 (1982) 1 NZLR 97 .... As }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid15746111 Auckland City Council v}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 .}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid15746111 Blundell}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 (1986) 1 NZLR 732 at p.739 makes clear, exemplary damages must be 'fairly and reasonable commensurate with the gravity of the conduct thus condemned'."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 Having considered the evidence of the conduct o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 f the police officers in this case, I}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 am of the view that the breaches of the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5182739 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 s r ights under the Juveniles Act, the Judges Rules, the Constitution and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, justify an award for }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 aggravated damages. Furthermore,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 I consider that this was not a case of an honest error of judgment by the police. This wa s a case of a deliberate flouting of the law, and of conscious acts on a vulnerable and young member of the public, which caused distress and humiliation to the plaintiff. I am}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 therefore of the view that the outrageous and contumelious conduct of the defendant, justified an additional award of punitive or exemplary damages.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 The question remaining is as to whether the amount awarded was unrealistically high. The Court of Appeal in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid15746111 Marika Lawanisavi v. Kapieni}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9138155 ABU}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4740449 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 49}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4740449 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 98 emphasised the need to consider local, social and economic conditions when approaching quantum of damages. Scott J in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5182739 Sivorosi Raikali}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid15746111 v. A-G}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 (su}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6100380 pra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15746111 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9138155 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 considered $1,700 per hour, to be a generous award for false imprisonment in Fiji. However, he was consi dering an award for an adult who had lawfully served 12 years imprisonment, but who had been unlawfully detained for 11 months longer than he should have. Nor was that award one for aggravated damages.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6100380\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 I consider an award of $1,700 per hour for a child wh ose arrest and detention were unlawful and who should never have been arrested at all, entirely appropriate. The award of $10,000 by the learned magistrate seems to be higher than is appropriate given Fiji's social and economic conditions. I therefore all ow the appeal against the award for aggravated damages to the extent that I reduce the award to $6,800.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6100380\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 However, I consider the amount of $5,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6100380 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 00 as punitive damages entirely appropriate in the circumstances of the case. It adequately reflects the outrageous conduct of the defendant, and is not an unrealistic amount in Fiji's conditions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6100380\charrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid269458 The appeal is successful to the extent that total damages awarded are reduced to $11,800. The Respondent must pay the Appellant's costs which I set at $200.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6100380\charrsid269458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid727082 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid6100380 Appeal allowed to the extent of reduction in total damages.}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12871296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269458\charrsid9138155 Marie Chan \par }}