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\cellx8748\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid3240542 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174\charrsid9069174 28 March, 20 April,}{
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\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 Act with intent to Cause Grievous Harm \loch\af0\dbch\af12\hich\f0 \endash \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 
indecent assault - \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 attempted raping of daughter - \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 a\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 ppeal against Sentence \hich\f0 \endash \loch\f0  disparity of sentences in sexual offences case
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 The Appellant \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 pleaded guilty \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 on count 1 to \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 
Act with intent to Cause Grievous Harm\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  and was \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 sentenced to two years\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 . \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 The\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  appellate Court found the
\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  sentence was appropriate\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 . On count 2 of \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 attempted raping of \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 his \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 daughter\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 
, the Appellant was\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  convicted on a lesser count of \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 i\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 ndecent assault by the Magistra\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 te \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 and
\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  sentenced to 4 years imprisonment\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 . The appellate Court discussed\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  various authorities and \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 
its role in balancing public confidence in the Court with showing mercy to an offender.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  }{
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he principle role of court is the balancing of protection of \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 public confidence in Court to that of leaning towards mercifulness of the circumstances of the offender. }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 An abhorrence of crimes of indecent assault, given the social/cultural/ religious environment of Fiji, is not in itself adequate.
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 Total \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 sentence reduced \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 from 4 years \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 to \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 
2\loch\af0\dbch\af12\hich\f0 \'bd\loch\f0  years imprisonment\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 .
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Cases referred in Judgment
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Arun Kumar v State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  [1995] HAA 3/95B 7 February 1995
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 Chandar Sen v State}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 HAA 005/96\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 L
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 DPP v Saviriano Radovu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 (}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 1996) 42 FLR 76
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Manoj Kumar Singh v State }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 HAM0037/94L 27 January 1995
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 Regina\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 v Bibi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  (1980) 1 WLR 1193\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 R v Helliwell}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (1987) 5 Cr.App.R(S) 357 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 R v Lawson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  [1982] 2 NZLR 219
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 R v Renouf}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (1988) 10 Cr.App.R(S) 157 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 R v Turner}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (1983) 5 Cr.App.R(S) 254
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Ram Khelawan v State}{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 HAA 0038/98L 27 May 1998

\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Regina v Ram Sewak and Shiu Lal}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  HAA 69/77
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Robin Abhinesh Lal v State}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  HAA 29/98S
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Saha Deo v State}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  [1989] HAA 23/89B 23 November 1989 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 Webee v O}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 '}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 Sullivan
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  (1952) S.A.\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 S\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 .\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 R\hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0 . 65}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 \hich\af0\dbch\af12\loch\f0  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Appellant in person

\par Davendra Prasad for the Respondent
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid1401879\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt
\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1548\clshdrawnil \cellx1440\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth7308\clshdrawnil 
\cellx8748\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid8848060 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1401879\charrsid1401879 4 May, 2001
\cell }\pard \ql \li2232\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2232\pararsid1401879 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1401879\charrsid1401879 judgment}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1401879\charrsid1401879 \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1401879\charrsid1401879 
\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid1401879\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt
\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1548\clshdrawnil \cellx1440\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth7308\clshdrawnil \cellx8748
\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Prakash, J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par On 2 February 2000 the Appellant appeared before the Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
 Court at Rakiraki. He was charged with the following two offences:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16319375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Count 1:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Act with Intent to Cause Grievous Harm -
 Contrary to {\*\bkmkstart s224_a_PC_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}section 224(a) {\*\bkmkend s224_a_PC_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}of the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Penal Code.}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Count 2:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Attempted Rape - Contrary to Section 
{\*\bkmkstart s151_PC_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}151{\*\bkmkend s151_PC_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State} of the Penal Code.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 He elected to be tried by the Magistrates}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Court. He pleaded guilty to Count 1. He was tried for Count 2}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
 but the learned Magistrate found him not guilty for attempted rape but guilty of Indecent Assault. He was convicted and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment on Count 1 and 4 years imprisonment for the con
viction for Indecent assault. Both sentences were to be served concurrently.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Appellant appeals against the sentences on the following terms, as stated in his Petition of Appeal:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16319375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 1) \tab That I have reconciled with the victim and my wife.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 2) \tab That I was the sole bread winner in our family looking after my wife and five (5) children and since I was unemployed, I worked on our farm and struggled to meet ends.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 3) \tab That two of my children are attending high school and three in primary school and due to my being imprisoned they will have to leave school and support themselves.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 4)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab That the sentence is too harsh and excessive.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 5)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab \tab 
That the magistrate failed to take into consideration the facts that I have beaten my daughter up and in anger she reported to her mother that I had attempted to rape her. I as a father was just trying to teach her a lesson, but a case was framed up.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 At the hearing of the Appeal the Appellant
 confirmed that he wished to appeal against his sentence only. It is clear from grounds 1-4 that he is aggrieved by the sentences imposed. Ground 5 appears to raise doubts about the conviction on Count 2 on the basis of a frame up. The Court has thoroughl
y analysed the Court records of the trial. There is no basis for any doubts about the conviction for Indecent assault. The trial was conducted fairly and with due process accorded to the Appellant
. In a well written and reasoned judgment the learned Magistrate set out the basis on which she found the Appellant
 guilty on the offence charged in Count 1 and why she found him guilty for Indecent assault on Count 2. She properly and fully considered the evidence against the Appellant. She considered the demeanor 
and credibility of the complainant and other witnesses for the Prosecution. This Court is in no position to fault the learned Magistrate on her findings of guilt. She was correct in law.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 In sentencing the Appellant the learned Magistrate considered all th
e factors relevant to sentencing for such offences. Given the injuries and threats used the sentence of two years is appropriate for Count 1. Even in his petition of appeal the Appellant
 concedes he hit his daughter "to teach her a lesson - but a case was framed up". It is clear from the evidence on record and what the Appellant has stated in this Court that the teaching of a lesson for the complainant daughter to listen to the Appellant
/father and to go to the farm was not the purpose of the ill treatment meted.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
Much of the sentencing remarks dealt with the offence of Indecent assault. Here again the learned Magistrate did properly consider the gravity of the offence, the relationship of trust and the psychological effects on the victim. The only aspect of
 the sentencing that this Court is concerned about is the issue of reconciliation (Ground 1). The Appellant
 stated that he informed the learned Magistrate that he had reconciled with the victim and his wife. However, this is not on the records. According t
o the records (p. 19) inter alia, he asked for "another chance" ... was "sorry for what I have done" and asked for "mercy". He further stated that he "never suffered from any mental or personality disorder. Ask for leniency and for another chance". The le
arned Magistrate did consider the effect of any sentences on his 6 children who were attending school. She was also aware that farming was their only source of income. The Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 s wife did state to this Court that she was facing difficulties in caring f
or their children without him. The Court is aware that neither Count 1 nor 2 are reconcilable offences. Any reconciliation can only go to mitigation.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court was aware that the v
ictim and her mother came to the High Court when the Appeal was first set for hearing on 16/03/01. However, due to the closure of the High Court by the Occupational Health and Safety inspectors the hearing was adjourned. The victim and her mother did come
 to Court on 20/04/01. They did confirm that they had reconciled and trusted the Appellant
. They were confident that he would not commit such an offence against the complainant again. The learned Magistrate had observed that the complaint was confident, con
sistent and straight forward in her manner of giving evidence. This Court was also able to observe her. She stated that she could now trust her father and that he had now changed. She stated that nobody put pressure on her. She voluntarily visited her fat
her when he was in jail. The Court is conscious that given her dependence and relationship with the Appellant there must have been informal and subtle pressures for her to reconcile especially in a rural Fijian village community.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court has been provide
d very little assistance by the State on authorities and cases of Indecent assault in Fiji, especially involving father and daughter. As regards indecent assaults generally fines have been imposed (}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Regina_v_Sewak_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}Regina v Ram Sewak {\*\bkmkend Regina_v_Sewak_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}and Shiu Lal}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
 Cr. App 69 of 1977). This appears to be quite inappropriate given the current concerns about sexual offences, gender violence and rights of victims of crime. In recent years sentences of 1 to 4 years ha
ve been seen as appropriate. However, a sentences as low as 1 month has been imposed (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Ram Khelawan v State}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Ram_Khelawan_v_S_Vere_Kadavu_v_State}{\*\bkmkend Ram_Khelawan_v_S_Vere_Kadavu_v_State}Cr. App HAA 0038 of 1998L). Suspended sentences have also been given by the M
agistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Courts (see undated }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Fiji Times}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  reports tendered by Appellant). The Fiji Women}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
s Crisis Centre }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Newsletter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (February 2001, p.2) tendered by the Appellant
, reports as follows on sentences for rape and sexual assault.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16319375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 "Jan 6 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 A 60 year-old man 
was given a 2 year suspended sentence for sexually assaulting a 6 year old girl.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Jan 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 A 43 year old man was sentenced to 15 months in jail for sexually assaulting his 13 year old niece}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Jan 14}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 A man was jailed for 3 years for attempting to rape his 13 year-old niece.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 In the case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Chandar_Sen_v_S_Veretari_Kadavu_v_State}Chandar Sen v State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkend Chandar_Sen_v_S_Veretari_Kadavu_v_State} (Lautoka}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Cr. App HAA005 of 1995L) the High Court recorded the following sentences imposed by the Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Courts, based on press clippings put before the Court:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16319375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Labasa Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  - 17th
 May 1994 - Fiji Times, a former school teacher NARAYAN CHAND convicted of indecent assault having fondled the breasts of a 14 year old student. Jailed for 6 months suspended f
or one year and fined $450.00. $400 of which was to be compensation to the complainant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Nabouwalu Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  - 30th
 January 1995 - Fiji Times, a SEREMAIA BUKAVOU aged 38 with nine previous convictions including one of indecent assault was jailed for six months for an indecent assault on his 17 year old niece.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 3.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Suva Magistrates}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Court}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  - 17th January 1996 - Daily Post, MITIELI KOROI 19 years of age was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for indecently assaulting a 9 year old school girl by telling h
er to lie down on the ground whilst he fiddled with her private parts. Koroi had no previous offences.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Nausori Magistrates}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Court}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  - 1st February 1996 - Fiji-Times JOSESE-NAOCIBA 18 years old was sentenced to two years for defilement of a 14 year old girl NAICOBA had no previous convictions.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Suva Magistrates}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Court}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  - 23rd November 1993, Fiji Times, ATUNAISA VUNIWAQA 24 years old was jailed for 2 years on a charge of attempted rape on a 4 year old girl. Some alcohol was involved. The girl nee
ded hospital treatment after the attack which was associated with some violence of a minor nature. There is no record of VUNIWAQA of any previous convictions.
\par 6.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Suva Magistrates}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  - 25th January 1996 -
 Fiji Times, SIMIONE SANAILA 35 years old wa
s sentenced to three and half years in jail for indecently assaulting his 10 year old niece. The presiding Magistrate appears only to have desisted from ordering corporal punishment as the offender was over 35 years of age. It appears that SANAILA had no 
previous conviction.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16319375\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 7.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Labasa Magistrates}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Court}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  - 1st
 February 1996 - Fiji Times, ABDUL KALAM 36 years old was sentenced to two and half years imprisonment for indecently assaulting a 14 year old girl. KALAM had six previous convictions but it does n
ot appear that any of those were previous offences of a like nature.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7282641 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
Some relevant High Court authorities available to this Court also reveal the variations in sentencing. In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Arun_Kumar_v_S_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}Arun Kumar v State}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  {\*\bkmkend Arun_Kumar_v_S_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}(Cr. App No. 3 of 1995 at Labasa) a sentence of 9 months was imposed on the Appellant
, a first offender, who forcefully kissed a woman. The High Court reduced this to 3 months. In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Saha_Deo_v_S_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}Saha Deo v 
{\*\bkmkend Saha_Deo_v_S_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (Cr. App 23 of 1989, at Labasa) the High Court did not disturb a sentence of 12 months imposed on the Appellant
 for indecent assault on a woman in his settlement. In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Robin_Lal_v_S_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}Robin Abhinesh Lal v State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkend Robin_Lal_v_S_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State} (Cr App HAA29 of 1998S) the High Court confirmed a sentence of 18 months imposed on the Appellant by the Nausori Magistrates}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  Court. The Appellant, an 18 year old first offender, had rubbed his penis on th
e buttocks of his 3 year old cousin sister and ejaculated. In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart DPP_v_Savitiano_Veretariki_v_State}{\*\bkmkstart DPP_v_S_Radovu_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}
DPP v Saviriano Radovu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  {\*\bkmkend DPP_v_Savitiano_Veretariki_v_State}{\*\bkmkend DPP_v_S_Radovu_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}(Cr App 0006 of 1996 at
 Labasa) the High Court set aside a suspended sentence of 9 months and imposed a custodial sentence of 9 months imprisonment. The Appellant was convicted for fiddling the breasts of a 8 year old girl who was a stranger to him. In }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Manoj_Kumar_v_S_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_S}Manoj Kumar Singh v State{\*\bkmkend Manoj_Kumar_v_S_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_S} }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 (Cr App HAM0037 of 1994L) the High Court reduced a sentence of 5 years to 18 months for indecent assault. The Appellant had tried to have sex with a woman and 
in the process tore her pants.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court has considered the sentencing for Indecent assault on females contained in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
Current Sentencing Practice}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (Sweet & Maxwell 1995). In reading these cases the Court can only concur with the remarks of McMulin J. that: "
Sentencing is not an exact science and the circumstances of one offender can rarely be closely compared with those of another" (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart R_v_Lawson_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}
R v Lawson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkend R_v_Lawson_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State} [1982] 2 NZLR 219, 223. In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
{\*\bkmkstart R_v_Turner_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}R v Turner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  {\*\bkmkend R_v_Turner_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}(1983) 5 Cr. App R(S) 254 the Appellant
, a man of 50, was convicted of indecently assaulting his two year old niece. The Appellant had taken a bath with the child, and while doing so rubbed h
er vagina on his penis several times. There was no attempt at penetration. His sentence of 3 years was reduced to 2 years.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart R_v_Helliwell_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}R v Helliwell}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  {\*\bkmkend R_v_Helliwell_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}(1987) 5 C.r. App R(S) 357 the Appellant
 pleaded, guilty to two counts of indecent assault on two of his twin daughters aged 4 years. He was separated from his wife and his daughters stayed with him most weekends. He had fingered them in the region of the vagina. He pleaded guilty and was sen
tenced to 2\'bd years imprisonment. On appeal these were reduced to 9 months.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart R_v_Renouf_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}R v Renouf}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  {\*\bkmkend R_v_Renouf_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}(1988) 10 Cr. App R(S) 157 the Appellant pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault. H
e had indecently assaulted his stepdaughter frequently over a period of about 12 months, beginning when she was about 14 years. The assaults involved fondling the girl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 s breasts and vagina, persuading the girl to masturbate him and suck his penis, and rubbing his penis against her. His sentence of 3 years was reduced to 2 years on appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 In studying the various U.K. cases the sentiments expressed in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Renouf}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  are pertinent to the situation this Court faces today. "This case has caused the court great anxiety
. It is difficult to distill a principle from the cases which have been decided by way of sentences in offences such as this. Perhaps the answer is that each case must depend upon its own facts and the facts are infinitely various and protean in form" (pe
r
 French J.) It appears from a quick perusal of the U.K. cases, ignoring guilty pleas, first offence and other variables, that a considerable number of sentencing on appeal converge around 2 years. A quick perusal of the authorities cited earlier in relati
on to indecent assaults in Fiji suggests a convergence of sentencing to between 18 months to 2 years - whether on guilty pleas or after trial. No principles are discernable in the sentencing for such offences.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court has also studied the guidelines provided in D.A. Thomas: }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Principles of Sentencing}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (2nd
 Edition ppl25 - 130). Thomas makes an interesting observation in regards to indecency with small children: "The length of sentence, within the range of twelve months to five years, appears to depend more o
n the number of offences committed on the present occasion and the offenders previous history of similar behavior than on }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 the inherent gravity of the individual offence"}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (p128, emphasis added). In relation to overseas cases, e.g. in U.K., it is pertinent t
o note that those jurisdictions have wider range of sentencing options including hospital orders and psychiatric probation orders. In Fiji no such options are available.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 In this case, for example, the learned Magistrate in her sentencing remarks states: "He has }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 no}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  regard whatsoever of the sexual indignities and the long term psychological trauma that her (sic) daughter will suffer for the rest of her life. He is 50 years a
nd daughter is 17 years" (p.20 of the 
Record). The complainant was medically examined on the standard Police Medical Officers Report form. No psychological assessment was conducted. While the complainant appeared to be a confident and mature person, this C
ourt is in no position to assess the long term effects of the indecent assault on her. Nor the effect of the loss of trust etc of a father-daughter relationship and any family disorientation arising out of the incident. More importantly, the Court has no 
psychiatric assessment or background information to indicate whether the Appellant has a sexual problem or is depressive or dysfunctional. Does he have the (proclivity) to repeat such indecency?
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court notes the learned Magistrates observations on theAppellant ... }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
Although the complainant was subjected to such act of gross indecency, the accused did not at any try or attempt to have sexual intercourse with her. She was weak and helpless. He had all the opportunity to have sex with her but he didn}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 t. Tho
ugh the complainant felt his erected penis, she did not see it out, nor was there any evidence that he tried to have sex with her.... He knew he had all the opportunities but nothing happened because that was not his intent. They even spent 2 hours in the
 plantation alone after that but still nothing happened}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (p.17 of the Record
). There is no history of any previous sexual However, the complainant in her evidence did state: "....I felt suspicious about him. He used to peep at me whilst having my shower" (p10 of the 
Record). Both the victim and the mother suggest that they can trust him and have faith he will not commit a similar offence. The Court at this late stage does not find it efficacious to order psychiatric assessments on the Appellant and the victim.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
It is clear from a perusal of the authorities available to this Court that the range of sentences for such offences vary quite markedly. The Courts have emphasised the need to consider each offence on its facts, including age of the victims and the off
ender, the relationship between the parties the nature of the indecency etc. Despite the differences in the facts and circumstances the variation in sentences is quite marked. The issue of disparity arises. In this regard I reiterate the concerns expresse
d by Lyons J. in the case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Chandar Sen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  (opcit at p3);}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7282641\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard \ql \li640\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin640\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
"I must say that Magistrates and Judges in this country appear to be severely disadvantaged in that there is not a central collection point for sentencing information from which to draw in times of nee
d. It appears that sentencing offenders is simply a matter of an exercise of the discretion of each individual judicial person with little or no opportunity to establish a parity in sentencing. This is particularly disadvantageous to those judicial person
s who preside in areas outside of the capital for they are often denied the opportunity of discussing the matters with their fellows to obtain a proper range of the "tariff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  applicable to any one offence. Regrettably, when the courts pass sentences which va
ry significantly from one offender to another, notwithstanding there is similarity in the offences, it serves to create an impression in the general public that the court system is unjust. This further serves to create a lack of confidence and respect for
 the law with a consequential breakdown in discipline. This is a most unfortunate state of affairs. One hopes that all of us judicial persons combine to assist in formulating a simple system to assist, in particular, our fellows in the outlying areas.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Lyons J then went on to express the view that: "whilst agreeing that it is necessary for the Courts to set strong deterrent
 sentences, it is just as necessary that the court have some parity in sentencing unless the courts wish to continue to run the risk of decreasing their credibility in the eyes of the public}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
 (pp 5-6). The learned Chief Justice, Sir Timoci Tuivaga had in 1990 also expressed similar sentiments: "Nothing could undermine the confidence of the public in the judicial system more than when diffe
rent Courts pass widely varying sentences on similar offences perpetrated in similar circumstances" ("Uniformity of Sentencing - a Desireable Goal" }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Fiji Law Talk}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  May - August 1990 p1). Similar sentiments were expressed in the N.Z. case of Lawson cited earlier.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
As the Court has indicated earlier no principles are discernable in the sentencing for offences in the cases considered by the Courts in Fiji. No uniformity of approach is apparent. This Court is currently constrained to attempt to consider guideline
s. Such guidelines will need a consideration of wider issues of sentencing for sexual assaults -deterrence, victim impact studies, psychiatric assessment, counseling options, and the wider controversies on the effectiveness of various sentencing aims and 
principles. An abhorrence to such crimes, given the social/cultural/religious environment of Fiji, is not in itself adequate.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court has indicated earlier that it could not fault the judgment and the principles adopted by the learned Magistrate in sentencing the Appellant
. Nevertheless the case has caused the Court a great deal of anxiety. The disparity in the sentences meted out by the Courts in Fiji is a particular matter of concern. The Appellant feels aggrieved by the apparent severity of his sentenc
e in relation to other indecent assault cases which he has put before the Court. However, each case varies on its own facts. The sentence of 4 years for indecent assault is on the top of the tariff for such offences.}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 One also has to be conscious that most cases of Rape, which Magistrates}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
 Courts regularly deal with, attract a maximum sentence of 5 years, even where serious violence is involved. In this case there was serious violence to induce the victim to succumb to the Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 s desires. For this he was charged in Count 1, and he pleaded guilty. The sentence of 2 years imposed by the learned Magistrate is appropriate for this.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 However, for indecent assault the maximum sentence is 5 years.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court feels comforted in quoting from }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Webee_v_O_Sullivan_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_S}Webee v O}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174 '}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Sullivan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  
{\*\bkmkend Webee_v_O_Sullivan_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_S}[1952] SASR 65 at 66 that: "The Courts should endeavour to make the p
unishment fit the crime and the circumstances of the offender, as nearly as may be. Our first concern is the protection of the public, but, subject to that, the Court should lean towards mercy. We ought not to award the maximum which the offence will warr
ant, but rather the minimum which is consistent with a due regard for the public interest". In short, justice has to be tempered with mercy.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 It is perhaps best to reflect on the wider approach to sentencing expressed by Lord Lane, a former Chief Justice of England in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 {\*\bkmkstart Regina_v_Bibi_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}Regina v Bibi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  
{\*\bkmkend Regina_v_Bibi_Veretariki_Kadavu_v_State}(1980) 1 WLR 1193, at 1194:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7282641\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard \ql \li640\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin640\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
"this case opens up wider horizons because it is no secret that our prisons at the moment are dangerously overcrowded. So much so that }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
sentencing courts must be particularly careful to examine each case to ensure, if an immediate custodial sentence is necessary, that the sentence is as short as possible, consistent only with the duty to protect the interests of the public and t
o punish and deter the criminal.
\par Many offenders can be dealt with equally justly and effectively by a sentence of six or nine months imprisonment as by one of 18 months or three years. We have in mind not only the obvious case of the first offender for who
m any prison sentence however short may be an adequate punishment and deterrent but other types of case as well.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard \ql \li680\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin680\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The less serious types of factory or shopbreaking; the minor cases of indecency; the more petty frauds where small amounts of money are involv
ed; the fringe participant in more serious crime: all these are examples of cases where the shorter sentence would be appropriate.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 There are, on the other hand, some offences for which, generally speaking, only the medium or longer sentences will be appropriate. For example, most robberies; 
most offences involving serious violence; use of a weapon to wound; burglary of private dwelling houses; planned crime for wholesale profit; active large scale trafficking in dangerous drugs. These are only examples. It
 would be impossible to set out a catalogue of those offences which do and those which do not merit more severe treatment. So much will, obviously, depend upon the circumstances of each individual offender and each individual offence.
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
What the court can and should do is to ask itself whether there is any compelling reason why a short sentence should not be passed. We are not aiming at uniformity of sentence: that would be impossible. We are aiming at uniformity of approach"}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 (emphasis added).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The above sentiments are as valid today as in the 1980s especially given the controversies surrounding the differing aims of sentencing, the over crowding of our prisons etc.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court has considered all relevant factors discussed above. It is also mindful of the facts of this case, in particular the age of the Appellant
 and victim and the aggravating factors. It is also sensitive to the mitigation and reconciliation, and very conscious of the disparities. The Court finds the sentence of 4 years for Count 2 out of line with authorities considered. A shorter sentence of 2
\'bd years would be as just and effective given the background and circumstances of the Appellant. The Court concurs with the learned Magistrate that this sentence should be served concurrently with that on Count 1. The effect is that the Appellant
 will serve a total of 2\'bd years imprisonment and not 4.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 The Court orders are as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7282641 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7282641\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab 
The Appeal against the sentence in Count 1 of the Offence charged is dismissed;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7282641\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab The Appeal a
gainst the sentence in Count 2 of the charge is partially allowed. The sentence of four years is set aside and a sentence of 2 \'bd years is substituted;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7282641\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9069174  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 \tab The above sentences are to be served concurrently.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9069174 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Appeal against Sentence allowed.
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7282641 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\insrsid13129469\charrsid9069174 Marie Chan}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\dbch\af12\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid7282641 
\par }}