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\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049\charrsid10971758 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname country-region}}FIJI}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3679106 
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\par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423793 (WESTERN DIVISION)
\par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049\charrsid10971758 AT IAUTOKA
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3423793 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049\charrsid10971758 APPELATE JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11105049 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049 CRIMINAL APPEAL N0 62 of 1979
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\par s/o}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049  KADE DIN}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049\charrsid10971758 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11105049 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049 Mr. D. Williams, }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049\charrsid1928797 for the Appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049\charrsid1928797 Respondent}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049  appeared in person}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049\charrsid1928797 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11105049 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid3423793 JUDGME}{
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049\charrsid3423793 NT}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid3423793 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9267039 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11105049 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 The accused in this case was convicted on his own plea of the offence of shop breaking, entering and larceny of goods worth $61.34, and sentenced to 9 months im}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6054445 prisonment, which sentence was suspend}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ed conditionally for 2 years.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 It is against thi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6054445 s
 sentence that the Crown appeals on the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6054445 g}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
round that it is manifestly inadequate having regard to the circumstances of the case.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6054445\charrsid9267039 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid162778 In arg}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
uing the Crown's appeal Crown Counsel started off by stating that there were a number of similar cases dealt with by the same magistrate where sen}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid162778 tences were generally too lo}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 w or were so disparate as to be unexplainable. I was only referred to two other cases which is hardly sufficient to draw any conclusions, but in any ca}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid162778 se if the situation is as Crown}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  Counsel}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6447345  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 says the right course might be to}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6447345  ask the S}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 upre}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6447345 me Court to rev}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 iew all, or a representa}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6447345 
tive number of the cases involved. In this appeal I must consider the is}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 sue and circumstance}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6447345 s i}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 n t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6447345 his}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  case and the principles involved.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6447345\charrsid9267039 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9723844 T}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 he accused worked in the complainant's shop at week ends and at some tim}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9723844 e must have stolen a key to th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 e shop. To that extent this was a planned shop}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15363279 -breaking, the accused using th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 e key to gain access to the shop and stealing the goods in question. On th}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15363279 e way home he was stopped by a p}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 oliceman and ta
ken to the police station on suspicion. There is little in the circumstances of the case to b}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15363279 e said in favour of the accused. All}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  the pro}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15363279 perty was recovered, but that w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
as due to the vigilance of the policeman who stopped him}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15363279  a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 nd is nothing in the accused'}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15363279 s}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  favour.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15363279\charrsid9267039 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8682916 But there a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 re certain factors in the accused's favour. At the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8682916 
time of the offence the accused w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 as 17 years and 7 months old, he is a student who will be sitting }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8682916 
for his U.E. at the end of the year. He is a first offender,}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8682916 he pleaded guilty}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8682916 immediately, he has a good schoo}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
l report and there is a very favourable letter from his headmaster. In passing sentence the magistrate said
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8682916 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5251513 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 This is a prevalent offence and the court takes a serious view of it. Accused is just over the juvenile age and is a student. He tells Court that he will be sitting for his U.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5251513 E}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 at the end of this year.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5251513  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 He pleaded gu}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5251513 ilty and items stolen have been}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  recovered. These factors have been considered to determine whether custodial sentence should be}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5251513  imposed.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  I find that accused is }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5251513 too young to be sent to jail. W}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ith his}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5251513  further}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
 education he may turn out to be a good citizen.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9267039 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5251513\charrsid9267039 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 Crow}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 n Counsel argu}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 ed that the magistrate tackled t}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 he question of sentence the wrong way in decidi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 ng}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  }
{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 that }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 accused }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 was too young to be sent to prison}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  and}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165  therefore to suspend sentence before deciding }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
what sentence was appropriate. }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 With due respect I}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  do not consider that the magistrate's approach }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 was wrong or ou}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 t of order.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 The expres}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 sion of}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 hi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 s}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165  view}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  left something to be desired, but I interpr}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 et his remarks to mean that the appropriate}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 sentence for the offence would }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
be 9 months imprisonme}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 nt, but that considering the youth of}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
 the accused, his academic background and the strong possibility th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 at he has learned his lesson and}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  will become a g}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 ood citizen in the future}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 it is better th}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 at he escapes the corrupt}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 ing expe}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 rience of prison}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165  this time provided that he behaves hi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 mself in future. 9 months imprison}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 ment might}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  be a somewhat light sentence for shop}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 -}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 breaking, but not so inadequate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165  that it should be increased o}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 n appeal. The question of whether the sentence should be su}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165 spended is a little more difficult}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  to decide.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7605165\charrsid9267039 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455 Crow}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 n Counsel ar}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455 gued that this amounted to no}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  sentence at all but I'm afraid I can't agree}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455  with that.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  If he meant that some unthinking criminals might consider themselves to have been }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 let off}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  i}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455 f }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 given a suspended sentence I wou}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1969489 ld agree, but I would not agree}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  that this accused has}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455  gone}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
 entirely unpunished. He has been taken into custody, he has had the unpleasant experience of being taken before the court an}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455 d of there h}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 aving to admit his guilt, he now}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 has}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455  a criminal record which will te}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ll against him if he ever comes before a court again, and if he comes before a court again w}
{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455 ithin the next two years he know}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 s or should know that he will be called upon to serv}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455 e 9 months imprisonment be}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 sides whatever }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455\charrsid9267039 punishment
}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455  he receives for the new offe}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 n}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455 ce.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2779455\charrsid9267039 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 The question is whether a suspended sentence is appropriate in the instant case. Unquestionably the magistrate had }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11539725 a }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11539725\charrsid9267039 discretion}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11539725  t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
o pass a suspended sentence. In some countries, such as {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname country-region}}England{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose}
, suspended sentences are invariably given for first offences - except the most serious offences - and quite often for second, third or}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523  even fourth offences. There are}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  many reasons for this.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523 Sometimes it i}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 s because it is a way of avoiding the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523  most serious overcrowding i}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 n prisons, mainly it is because it is recognised that prison, even whilst acting as a deterrent,}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 can also have}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
corrupting influence on the offender, sometimes turning into a hardened criminal}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 a person who, if given a second chanc
e - or even a third or fourth chance - might become a law abiding and useful citizen.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523 The law must temper justice w}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ith mercy,}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
it must recognise that its role in sentencing is not only to punish and to deter, but also to try to lead wrongdoers back t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523 o}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  the paths of }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523 the law-abiding, to try to reha}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
bilitate them, to try to avoid their becoming hardened criminals.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10107523 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267 It is to be recognis}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ed of course that in different countries different circumstances, dif}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267 fer}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ent offences require different remedies. In}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 some countries for instance some offences are viewed so seriously that the deterrent element}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  or pun}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 itive element of}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  a sentence is the most important. In {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname 
country-region}}Botswana{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} for inst}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ance, a cattle country, cattle theft was such an offence, and}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267 
 it w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 as not permitted by law to suspend a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  sentence for cattle theft (sim}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ilarly for rape). In neighbouring {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname country-region}}Zambia{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose}
 there was even a mandatory sentence of at least 7 years for an}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267 y offence of cattle theft. I am}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  not aware that shop}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267 -}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 br}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267 eaking or allied offences are su}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ch offences in {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname country-region}}Fiji{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose}, although they are, or should be, quite }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267 rightly treated as very serious. Crown}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  Counsel was unable to refer me}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
to any precedent to show that even in appropriate cases, such offences never merit suspended sentences. In fact I believe that probation has been considered an appropriate sentence in at least one case. The}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  one case I was referred to, namely }{\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267\charrsid13321135 R. v Poasa Tuituva}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  }{
\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267\charrsid13321135 and Josua Tekiteki.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  Review Case No.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
6 of 1979 does not assist me very much since the facts of that case are not set}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  out in any detail,}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  the sentences passed 
were not suspended and presumably there were no reasons}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 why suspended sentences should have been considered.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9394267\charrsid9267039 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 I conclude therefore, that although as a rule offences of burglary, housebreaking, shop}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9267039\charrsid9267039 -}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid596304 breaking, etc. w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ill attract custodial sentences}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid596304  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 of varying degrees of severity there is no real reason why in an appropriate case (perhaps more a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid596304 
s an exception than the rule) }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 a suspended sentence should not be c}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid596304 onsidered for a first offence. S}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 o the question boils down to whether there}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid596304  was any}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
thing in all the circumstances of this case to justify a suspended sentence.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid596304\charrsid9267039 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 There was nothing particularly bad about the offence as such. I have already referred to the aggravating feature so far as}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6442653 
 this accused is concerned. W}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ith regard to circumstances peculiar to the accu
sed himself, his age at the time of passing sentence was 17 years and 7 months. Thus he was no longer entitled to be treated as a juvenile and could be sentenced as an adult. But he is nevertheless still a youth, and although a period in prison could act 
as a short sharp lesson, it could also have }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187 a traumatic effect that would change his w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
hole life thereafter, probably for the worse. The fact that he is a. student is not necessarily in hi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187 s favour, since it would be wr}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 ong to put students in a special, more favourable category.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
On the contrary it could be argued that those receiving the benefits of education or higher education should show a greater sense of responsibility and set an example to those not so fortunate. But there is this to be said for the a}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187 ccused. He is at a very crucial}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
 stage of his life. His future could be determined by his success or failure in taking his U.E. exams.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
He seems to have come from a reasonable background, he has a good record at school, and his prospects are good. This offence seems to have been an isolated rather inexplicable fall from grace. Given another chance there seems to be every reason to}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187  hope and believe that he will }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 be}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187 come a good and useful citizen,}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  whereas if he is sent to prison his whole future could be tainted. In 
the circumstances I cannot say the magistrate exercised his discretion incorrectly and the appeal by the Crown is dismissed.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 I might add that I don't think this}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 
was a very good choice of case on which to appeal. It may well be that other cases dealt with by the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 same magistrate and }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187\charrsid9267039 referred}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  to by Crown Counsel}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 are more }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187\charrsid9267039 suitable}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039  for appeal.

\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3423793 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5655151\charrsid3423793 (Sgd.}{
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187\charrsid3423793 ) G.O.L. Dyke
\par JUDGE}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid3423793 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3423793 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109187\charrsid3423793 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9267039 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8331409\charrsid9267039 Lautoka,
\par {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1979}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 7}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 11}}}7th November, 1979{\*\xmlclose}.
\par 
\par }}